CT-Scan Data Analysis and Visualization for Aerospace NDT
For as long as there has been commercial and military flight, aircraft component suppliers have been charged with providing dimensional and process control-related data.
As the use of advanced materials and manufacturing methods in aerospace and defense continues to evolve, CT scanning is increasingly proving its worth as the ultimate in nondestructive testing, particularly for the most valuable parts and components. Whether it’s a reinforced composite helicopter blade, a machined titanium rocket nozzle, a 3D-printed aircraft heat exchanger with complex internal channels, or a lithium-ion battery powering essential electronics, proving out the integrity of the piece nondestructively has many advantages.
Industrial CT can penetrate almost every material, from plastics to composites to superalloys, revealing hidden details that previously could only be found by cutting and destroying finished parts. However, especially when scanning is performed after manufacturing, CT-image inspection alone without further analysis can lead to over- or under-estimation of the significance of visible anomalies. This can lead to high rejection rates, time-consuming corrective measures, or excess weight being added to designs in compensation—all negatives in expensive aerospace projects.