The Boeing Company

Carlyn R Brewer

Russell Lee Keller

John Z Lin

Kelly M Greene

Hong Hue Tat

Arne Kenneth Lewis

Cong Nghiep Duong

Nicolette P Yovanof

A method for analyzing a structure includes processing nondestructive inspection (NDI) data for a multi-layer structure to define areas of inconsistency at an internal layer or an interface between adjacent layers. The method includes mapping the areas of inconsistency to finite elements of a finite element model of a nominal of the structure. These finite elements are thereby identified as affected finite elements and include finite elements for the affected internal layer or interface. The method includes producing a reconstructed finite element model of the affected structure from the nominal finite element model, and a modified property or state value assigned to respective element datasets of the affected finite elements. The method includes performing a finite element method (FEM) failure analysis of the reconstructed finite element model under a load, which indicates an extent of residual integrity of the affected structure.

Analysis of a structure modeled with inconsistencies mapped thereon

An example computer-implemented method of assessing damage to a structure includes receiving information of damage to the structure, and identifying a damage type for the damage. Following, the damage type and the information is compared with a first reference having allowable damage limits of the structure for that damage type, a second reference having damage repair information and associated damage repair processes, and a database having historical repair information for the damage type. Based on the damage type and the information indicating that the damage is outside the allowable damage limits described in the first reference and also does not have any associated damage repair process described in the second reference and the database does not include historical repair information for the damage type, expanded repair information is provided for a repair solution based on a material type and loading of the structure.

Methods and systems for assessing damage to a structure and determining repair information

Growing community of inventors

Newcastle, WA, United States of America

Carlyn R Brewer