NDE of Composites

Interactive Knowledge Base (IKB) on NDE and Design of Composites

A 2 year project to develop an Interactive Knowledge Base (IKB) on NDE of composites accessible via the Internet

The main purpose of the project is the provision of an on-line knowledge base, which will allow end-users to browse and drill down by NDE technique, search for specific information and make judged recommendations for particular applications. The type of information to be included would be a summary and description of the technique, equipment required and applications, data examples, relevant procedures and standards, guidance documents, case studies, independent trial data. The resulting site should provide the following benefits to users in the composites industry.

• Increase in confidence in the use of composite materials in safety critical components
• Reduction in test programme costs/timescales by optimising testing/analysis
• Reduction in industry costs can be expected by providing improved testing and design procedures
• Facilitation of material development and increased flexibility in design (new products and markets).
• Lower maintenance costs through better understanding of damage/defect influence on residual life of structures and improved and more effective inspection techniques.

The project will utilise diverse new and existing technology from a range of sources, including the extensive practical and research experience amongst the project partners. Experience in commercial projects is to be included in generic or specific form with client approval. Existing data sources are to provide electronic information on NDE methods. Industrial participants are to be invited to provide practical information in the form of case studies or performance information.

The information is to be displayed to ensure that the user sees a detailed explanation of the technique, required equipment, data examples, procedures and standards, guidance, case studies, trail data, reliability information and a listing of the suppliers of the equipment required.

There is an opportunity for industrial companies to become involved with the project and be on the Industrial Advisory Group, helping to steer the project so that it can be most useful to industrialists. The IAG is to be made up from a cross section of users and suppliers of composite materials and testing equipment to ensure that the software tool is of most commercial benefit. Participants can also be involved in specific case studies that can be tailored to their specific needs.

The project started in 2002 and is due to finish in 2004.

Project Partners

• AEA Technology
• NetComposites
• QinetiQ

WWW Link: http://www.netcomposites.com/compositesndt/