Some embodiments of the invention may include an eddy current nondestructive evaluation device. The eddy current nondestructive evaluation device may include a rotating body; a motor coupled with the rotating body such that the motor rotates the rotating body; a permanent magnet coupled with the rotating body; a pickup coil coupled with the rotating body; and an integrator circuit electrically coupled with the pickup coil that integrates a voltage from the pickup coil to produce integrated voltage data.

A method of determining an amount of imperfection in an additively manufactured material is disclosed herein. The method includes forming a sample piece constructed from the material during a same additive manufacturing cycle as a design piece constructed from the material, introducing a first electrical current to the sample piece while maintaining the sample piece at a reference temperature, and determining the amount of imperfection in the material depending on the measured resistance and the reference temperature of the sample piece.

A system and method for determining fiber orientation within a layered composite using an eddy current probe is discussed. The eddy current probe includes an array of coils that are excited such that an effective pole of the end effector of the probe moves in a ring pattern. The eddy current probe is moved across the surface of a part such that a two-dimensional scan of the part is generated, analogous to a C-scan in ultrasonic testing. The eddy current probe is able to be used to determine the fiber orientation of a layered composite material by scanning at a single point on the material. The eddy current data is able to be fused with data from an ultrasonic transducer to produce a comprehensive view of the part.

A system and method for determining fiber orientation within a layered composite using an eddy current probe is discussed. The eddy current probe includes an array of coils that are excited such that an effective pole of the end effector of the probe moves in a ring pattern. The eddy current probe is moved across the surface of a part such that a two-dimensional scan of the part is generated, analogous to a C-scan in ultrasonic testing. The eddy current probe is able to be used to determine the fiber orientation of a layered composite material by scanning at a single point on the material. The eddy current data is able to be fused with data from an ultrasonic transducer to produce a comprehensive view of the part.

A device comprises an assembly for attaching to and moving on the production line. The attachment and movement assembly comprises at least two clamps that can be actuated selectively to clamp the production line, the attachment and movement assembly comprising an active mechanism for moving the clamps longitudinally relative to each other. The attachment and movement assembly comprises a tilting mechanism for tilting the clamps relative to each other, between a position in which they are parallel to each other and a position in which they are tilted with respect to each other. The tilting mechanism comprises a flexion bar capable of switching from a straight configuration in the parallel position of the clamps to a curved configuration in the tilted position of the clamps.

Disclose is a system and method for real-time measurement and feedback of metrology and metallurgical data during additive manufacturing (AM) part fabrication. This solution promises to provide higher performance, lower cost AM parts. A sensor is placed either in the rake/roller or following the rake/roller so that it has no impact on the process efficiency and can be used to provide real-time feedback and an archived digital map of the entire part volume. The solution provides non-contact sensing of AM layer's electrical conductivity in a high-temperature environment, metallurgical property verification, porosity imaging, local defect detection and sizing, local material temperature monitoring, and grain anisotropy imaging. Part geometry, the AM powder, and the laser/material interface are monitored in real-time. Dual mode sensing using magnetoquasistatic and optical sensors enhance results. Real-time nonlinear control of the AM fabrication process is performed based on the sensor data.

Disclose is a system and method for real-time measurement and feedback of metrology and metallurgical data during additive manufacturing (AM) part fabrication. This solution promises to provide higher performance, lower cost AM parts. A sensor is placed either in the rake/roller or following the rake/roller so that it has no impact on the process efficiency and can be used to provide real-time feedback and an archived digital map of the entire part volume. The solution provides non-contact sensing of AM layer's electrical conductivity in a high-temperature environment, metallurgical property verification, porosity imaging, local defect detection and sizing, local material temperature monitoring, and grain anisotropy imaging. Part geometry, the AM powder, and the laser/material interface are monitored in real-time. Dual mode sensing using magnetoquasistatic and optical sensors enhance results. Real-time nonlinear control of the AM fabrication process is performed based on the sensor data.

Eddy current sensing is governed by the diffusion equation of magnetoquasistatic fields. As such the eddy current sensor's proximity to the object to be inspected (i.e., “liftoff”) significantly affects the sensor's response signal. Methods and apparatus are disclosed for improving performance for an eddy current sensor, though they may also be used for other sensor types. These solutions are beneficial for both single channel eddy current sensors and arrays, and are particularly beneficial for measuring parts with complex surfaces. In some aspects improved performance is achieved by varying the stiffness of the mechanical support for the sensor. Some mechanical supports may exhibit anisotropic stiffness. After performing a scan with an eddy current array, a multi-channel shape filtering module is applied to improve defect detection. The module reduces the variability of defect response measured due to the unpredictability of the defect location transverse to the scan direction.

An exemplary method of indicating a condition of grout within a post-tensioned tendon involves positioning a magnet and a metallic sensing plate in close proximity to an outer surface of the post-tensioned tendon; rotating the magnet and the metallic sensing plate around the outer surface of the post-tensioned tendon; measuring an amount of magnetic forces applied to the magnet during rotation of the magnet around the post-tensioned tendon; measuring an impedance between the metallic sensing plate and metallic strands within the post-tensioned tendon during rotation of the metallic sensing plate around the post-tensioned tendon; and generating an image of a cross-section of the post-tensioned tendon indicating one or more grout conditions in spatial proximity to the metallic strands within the post-tensioned tendon based on measurement data using the magnet and the metallic sensing plate.

Disclose is a system and method for real-time measurement and feedback of metrology and metallurgical data during additive manufacturing (AM) part fabrication. This solution promises to provide higher performance, lower cost AM parts. A sensor is placed either in the rake/roller or following the rake/roller so that it has no impact on the process efficiency and can be used to provide real-time feedback and an archived digital map of the entire part volume. The solution provides non-contact sensing of AM layer's electrical conductivity in a high-temperature environment, metallurgical property verification, porosity imaging, local defect detection and sizing, local material temperature monitoring, and grain anisotropy imaging. Part geometry, the AM powder, and the laser/material interface are monitored in real-time. Dual mode sensing using magnetoquasistatic and optical sensors enhance results. Real-time nonlinear control of the AM fabrication process is performed based on the sensor data.