United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

New Mexico Technical Research Foundation

Derek Doyle

Andrei N Zagrai

Derek Hengeveld

A method of assessing bolted joint integrity. A guided wave is sent through a structure containing at least one bolted joint. The guided wave that is subsequently propagated through the structure and interacted with the bolted joint is measured to obtain a measured result. At least one parameter of the guided wave after its travel through the structure, and after having been affected by a nonlinear acoustic behavior of the bolted joint, is analyzed. Either at least one guided wave parameter is compared to a wave propagation pattern of the bolted joint at a correct torque level, or variation of at least one guided wave parameter is compared, to determine changes in wave propagation time and/or wave propagation shape. An incorrect torque level of the bolted joint is inferred from any changes that are determined.

Method of assessing bolted joint integrity

A method of using Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques for determining whether changes in thermal conductivity have occurred to a particular interface between two joined structural members is described, which is particularly useful in satellites or other structures ordinarily subjected to vacuum pressure.

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Albuquerque, NM, United States of America

Derek Doyle