Non
Destructive Evaluation International (NDEI) was contacted by Composite Resources,
an Engineering and Manufacturing facility located in Rock Hill, SC to analyze
and proof their design concepts for a specialty, high pressure composite vessel.
NDEI developed a custom-tailored inspection procedure for the testing of the
Ultra-lite pressure vessels using state of the art Acoustic Emission Testing.
The testing procedure begins by setting up the individual vessel to be tested
on a hydrolic press, this helps to simulate the actual in-service application
of the vessel. Next, four (4) Piezoelectric transducers are then mounted to
the outside of the composite shell; these sensors convert the mechanical stress
waves of an active defect into an electrical impulse that is then transmitted
to the AE instrumentation. The vessel is then filled with water and purged
of all air prior to the pressurization process. The AE test begins with the
vessel at atmospheric pressure (referred to as background) , then the vessel
is pressurized using the following step-up/step-down procedure: 50 psi; 100
psi; 50 psi; 150 psi; 100 psi; 200 psi; 150 psi; 200 psi.
Each
pressure level is held for 1 minute (referred to as a static hold), so that
the presence of any transient elastic stress waves can be recorded. NDEI and
Composite Resources continued collaboration has produced a synergy that not
only aides in improving quality manufacturing techniques, but allows for a
defect-free product to be shipped to the customer.
NDEI uses acoustic emission testing to analyze and proofDesign concepts at composite resources. |
| January 2006 Company UPDATE: NDEI Teams up with Composite Resources |
