The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Mar. 18, 2014

Filed:

Dec. 14, 2010
Applicants:

Andrei Zagrai, Socorro, NM (US);

Derek Doyle, Albuquerque, NM (US);

Inventors:

Andrei Zagrai, Socorro, NM (US);

Derek Doyle, Albuquerque, NM (US);

Assignee:
Attorneys:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01N 29/07 (2006.01); G01N 29/11 (2006.01); G01N 29/48 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
Abstract

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.


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