Find defect under aluminium skin

[rjx]

Hello,

I am part of a team that suspect hole presence under a 0.120 inch aluminium skin. We have a lot of units to check, some of them painted. The problem I have is that it is a stack of 3 parts one over the other with sealing between them...we suspect the holes being on the number 2 part. We have access on one side at the time and would prefer using something else than x-ray.

Do anyone know of another proper method?

Thanks

 

[rb1957]

low frequency eddy current, or ultra sonic. both will detect sub-surface anormalities.

these are industry basics, and there are some new methods, maybe D-sight, that may help.

good luck

 

[gwolf]

yup

 

[RPstress]

Specifically, an ultrasonic A-scan kit might do the trick. It depends on how well the sealed interface between skins conducts the sound. You'd want to make up a representative part with a hole in it to check.