Wireless Eddy Current Probe for Engine Health Monitoring

The first prototype wireless eddy current (EC) probe for on‐wing inspection was demonstrated in a F100 PW‐220 engine without external cabling at the Air National Guard overhaul facility in Des Moines Iowa. Wireless NDE probes have potential safety and economic benefits leading to prevention or mitigation of safety significant propulsion system malfunctions. Data from 2 MHz Eddy Current probes was transmitted using a dual‐frequency, phase modulated wireless analog communication system. Notches down to 0.010″ were detected by the system. This is comparable to the wired state‐of‐the‐art EC technology currently used to inspect engines.