NDE OF AGING AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE USING ORTHOGONAL-AXIS EDDY CURRENT PROBES

Detection of subsurface cracks around fasteners and hidden corrosion in multi-layer aluminum structure is a critical requirement for aging aircraft inspection. Of particular concern is the Navy P-3 aircraft which is currently undergoing refurbishment In this aircraft, multi-layer structure with thicknesses up to 0.3 inch must be inspected nondestructively to identify areas in need of repair. In order to meet productivity requirements, eddy current testing (ECT) using the McDonnell Douglas MAUS III system will be performed.