Development of Nondestructive Inspection Equipment for Jet Engine Compressor Blades.

Abstract : The report presents the results of a program to develop a prototype system to semi-automatically inspect compressor blades using the 'stress enhanced ultrasonic methol'. Several preliminary experiments and design evaluations were completed. A prototype system was constructed to inspect the first and second stage compressor blades of the T53-L13B jet engine. This unit was evaluated and successfully demonstrated. Recommendations are presented for further development of the prototype equipment and implementation of the inspection system.