Ultrasonic Solution for Structural Health Monitoring Using Embedded Non-Destructive Testing

Abstract

A high number of actors of the space industry, including ESA (European Space Agency) and CNES (French national space agency), are engaged in a program aiming to develop future European reusable space launchers. In this context, PYTHEAS Technology develops an embedded Non-Destructive Testing (eNDT) solution aiming to ensure that strategic parts of the launcher are free of damage before a new launch. Structural damage can be detected, localized and characterized using a network of piezoelectric transmitters/receivers, embedded in the structure, which send and receive guided waves. The technique is based on a comparison between the baseline ultrasound signature of the structure and the deviation of a new ultrasound cartography from this reference. The system is tested experimentally on an aluminum honeycomb sandwich structure, specifically on a section of a payload adaptor. Detection, localization and characterization of different types of structural defects are carried out experimentally, and the performances of the system are discussed.