• Includes information not found in books and extensive coverage of practical experience based on technical literature and industrial and academic experience from an expert in the field for over 40 years
• Designed to untangle this complex subject and is formatted to better comprehend the issues in a short time
• Presentations cover all mechanical wave methods and extensive examples of practical application through comparisons and experimental data
• Explains why composites cannot be tested based on metals procedures.
• Small class format to encourage interactive discussions and open involvement from the participants
• Includes ultrasonic scan systems demonstrations and provides hands on coverage with the latest types of automated ultrasonic scanning test equipment
• Counts towards Continuous Education Units credit

With an increased use of composite materials in critical structural applications, it is more important than ever to independently assure structural integrity. Ultrasonic NDT has extensive applications for composite materials. Traditional ultrasonic NDT methods are inappropriate and often misleading when applied to composite materials. In advanced technology applications, such as aerospace, and with industrial emphasis on economics and safety, it is critical that engineers, designers, and NDT personnel have a thorough working knowledge of advanced ultrasonic NDT technology. This seminar covers all mechanical wave methods, including acoustic emission, resonance, tap test, A, B, and C scans, as well as advanced ultrasonic methods, such as guided waves testing, transducer arrays, and materials properties measurements.

In addition, the attendees participate in real lab demonstrations and hands on use of ultrasonic scanning equipment manned by experienced test engineers. Laboratory sessions are broad in scope, encompassing a variety of composite test samples and test geometries. Guidelines are provided for the design, specifications, and operation of the automated ultrasonic C-scan systems.

This seminar is designed for inspectors, designers, engineers, managers, and new users that desire technically sound working concepts in the application of ultrasonic testing of composite materials, including assessment of defects, composite damages, and materials properties.

B. Boro Djordjevic (B.S. ‘73, M.S.E. ‘78, Ph.D. ‘79)

President and CEO, Materials and Sensors Technologies, Inc.

Dr. Djordjevic has over forty years of work experience in industry and academia. His work includes research related to advanced materials, structures, launch platforms, and aircraft and aerospace systems. Dr. Djordjevic has specific technical backgrounds in the areas of materials science, nondestructive evaluation, composite materials, materials testing, acoustics, ultrasonic, light-sound interactions, in-situ sensors, signal processing, structural integrity, and aerospace engineering. He has extensive experience in project management, R&D, technology development, technology transfer, and technical education. He has served as Technical Director and Manager or Principal Investigator on many large programs in NDE, advanced composites, advances materials processing, surface mount technology, packaging chip-on-board, embedded sensors, space launch vehicle, and air/space systems. Dr. Djordjevic has also been a consultant to NASA, the DoD, DARPA, the Air Force, ARPA, and the Navy. Additionally, Dr. Djordjevic has both participated in and led many failure/accident investigation teams. He has organized and coordinated both meetings and international scientific conferences. Dr. Djordjevic has authored over 160 technical publications, edited 9 books, holds 7 patents, and has authored many additional technical documents and reports. In addition to his publications, he has presented numerous technical papers throughout the USA, Australia, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Asia. To date, Dr. Djordjevic is listed in "Who's Who in Science and Engineering," "Who's Who in the World,” and “Who’s Who in America.”

Presented in 6 modules of approximately ½ day duration each.

Day 1

1. Ultrasonics in Composites

• Composite materials vs. metals experience
• What are “defects” in composites?
• Ultrasonic stress waves in anisotropic and inhomogeneous composites
• Attenuation measurements
• Impedance and reflection, refraction, and transmission in composites
• Ultrasonic wave types in composites
• Ultrasonic transducers

2. UT Scanning, Defect Detection, and Applications

• A-scan, B-scan, C-scan, I-scan, feature scan, and other composite test configurations
• Immersion vs. bubbler vs. water-jet scanning
• Automated systems
• C-scan ultrasonic test and data acquisition
• Signal processing and data interpretation
• Ultrasound interaction with the defects
• Defect reference standards
• Layered and thick composite structure testing
• Test method development and optimization methodologies

Day 2

3. Other Stress Wave Methods

• Transducer array impact and application
• Noncontact ultrasonic including air coupled methods
• Laser ultrasonic principles, applications, difficulties
• Tap test considerations and limitations
• Resonance methods and applications
• Guided wave methods and applications
• Acoustic emission application and limitations
• Emerging hybrid test methods; e.g. acousto-ultrasonic…

4. Materials Properties Measurements and Emerging Technologies

• Guided wave testing
• Laser guided wave testing
• Cure monitoring
• Materials characterization - modulus measurements
• Emerging technologies

Day 3

5. UT Scan Systems Demonstrations

• Ultrasonic instrumentation and equipment
• Discussion of the automated scan testing equipment performance and facility design issues
• Demonstration of immersion, water jet, and array scanners and applications
• Real time composite sample testing
• Lunch seminar on health monitoring, imbedded sensors, and effect of defects

6. UT Inspection Test Developments and Hands On Application
• Participants interactive testing
• UT systems tests operations and interactive questions