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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R71153/01
Title: The Ultrasonic Detectability and Sizing of Rough, Partially Closed Cracks in Real Structures
Principal Investigator: Drinkwater, Professor B
Other Investigators:
Smith, Professor D Truman, Professor CE
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Airbus Group Limited British Energy Nuclear Decomissioning Authority
Rolls-Royce Plc
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Organisation: University of Bristol
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 January 2003 Ends: 30 September 2006 Value (£): 214,115
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Eng. Dynamics & Tribology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Aerospace, Defence and Marine Energy
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Ultrasonic inspection is one of the most common methods for detecting and sizing cracks in a range of safety critical components used by the aerospace, electricity generation, rail and shipbuilding sectors. However, the inspection is usually carried out when the component is unloaded or off-line. For example the bottom skin of an aircraft is in compression when inspected (on the ground) and subject to cyclic tension loading in flight (hence crack propagation). This project aims to better define the ultrasonic detectability and sizing of rough cracks, partially closed due to the presence of residual compressive stresses. Although much experimental work has been carried out in this area the available models are limited to the interaction of ultrasound with smooth and open cracks. The approach of this project is to develop new models which take account of the scattering from the rough cracks and the transmission through the partially closed crack surfaces. Contact models will be developed to better predict the contact geometry and to quantify the effect of crack face conformity. Analytical and finite element scattering models will be developed to predict the interaction of ultrasound with the contacting surfaces of the crack. These models will be validated experimentally.
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Organisation Website: http://www.bris.ac.uk