The vacuum hood is an instrument designed for identifying flaws in the construction of composite panels. It combines an interferometer head with a means of applying a constant vacuum to the target area. By applying a vacuum the target area is stressed. The target responds by deforming slightly and these deformations are monitored by the instrument. The deformations are apparent to the user as lines of equal strain on the instruments display screen.
Under normal circumstances a uniform pattern is produced as the target deforms. However if the structure responds to the stressing force in an unusual way then these are shown on the screen as either unusual strain patterns or as steeper strain gradients. From this the user can identify regions where the structure is not behaving as predicted. This may be due to features in the construction of the item or to manufacturing faults. Analysis of these “discontinuities” can therefore show designers or production staff where design or production anomalies exist.
Applications
The system is typically used in the analysis of composite components in the marine and aerospace industries. It identifies faults straight after production and allows them to be promptly repaired or can be used to identify faults which may have arisen in service.
This service can be offered on-site. The unit is also available for purchase with training supplied for the operator.
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