We discuss the motivation and an architectural framework for using small mobile robots as automated aids to operators of nondestructive inspection (NDI) equipment. We review the need for aircraft skin inspection, and identify the constraints in commercial airlines operations that make small mobile robots the most attractive alternative for automated aids for NDI procedures. We describe the desi...

Much of our expectation of the future is based on a linear extrapolation from the present. However history tells us time and again that it’s the nonlinearities that make the big differences in predicting the future. New technologies like smart materials, MEMS, micro adaptive flow control, and nanotechnology all have the potential to have a big influence on the future of aeronautics. A forward-l...

Concrete is a multi-phase composite material which is difficult to inspect using conventional ultrasonic techniques, including those that work well on relatively homogeneous materials such as metals. This paper summarizes recent research that makes use of signal processing techniques to overcome ultrasonic inspection difficulties in concrete. Basic findings from several new laboratory-based NDE...

The spatial observation of a Bose condensate is reported. Dispersive light scattering was used to observe the separation between the condensed and normal components of the Bose gas inside a magnetic trap. This technique is nondestructive, and about a hundred images of the same condensate can be taken. The width of the angular distribution of scattered light increased suddenly at the phase trans...

This paper describes nondestructive characterization techniques for module reliability. These techniques include light and dark current versus voltage and related analysis such as resistance, diode quality factor, and dark current. The use of the NREL laser scanner at zero volts and forward bias is also described as a technique to uncover cracks, shunts, and open-circuit regions in a module. Qu...

We have demonstrated a novel and unique route to a highly efficient luminescent switch with nondestructive readout capability by utilizing photochromic diarylethene and up-conversion LaF(3):Yb,Ho nanophosphors.

The solutions for a class of Maxwell’s Equations in matter are presented. These solutions describe the magnetic fields as generated by a hard ferromagnet of finite length with missing mass and are important in the area of nondestructive evaluation.

The quality and degradation state of building materials can be determined by nondestructive testing (NDT). These materials are composed of a cementitious matrix and particles or fragments of aggregates. Sand/cement ratio (s/c) provides the final material quality; however, the sand content can mask the matrix properties in a nondestructive measurement. Therefore, s/c ratio estimation is needed i...

Despite the ecological importance of eelgrass, nowadays anthropogenic influences have produced deleterious effects in many meadows worldwide. Transplantation plots are commonly used as a feasible remediation scheme. The characterization of eelgrass biomass and its dynamics is an important input for the assessment of the overall status of both natural and transplanted populations. Particularly, ...