New aircraft engine technology relies heavily on advanced manufacturing processes and materials in order to minimise weight and maximise fuel efficiency. One of the current areas of interest is that of thinner and lighter compressor disks, which take advantage of Titanium Metal Matrix Composites (TiMMCs). Diffusion bonds are integral to TiMMCs. Given the safety-critical nature of these components, traditional ultrasonic inspection is not sufficiently sensitive to the defects found in the diffusion bonds. Non-linear ultrasonic techniques, as well as advanced linear post-processing methods, are being explored to allow the full exploitation of these advanced components.
Sponsors
Rolls-Royce