Since 2006, Gulfstream has introduced two new forms of NDT testing to its arsenal of test equipment — MAUS V (Mobile Automated Scanner — version 5) and OmniScan.

The MAUS V system, which was developed by Boeing, is a c-scan inspection system that integrates multi-frequency eddy current and ultrasonic methods. It is able to scan deep into multi-layered aluminum in search of corrosion or cracks.

Among the advantages of the MAUS V are its portability and speed. Also, scans conducted by the MAUS V can be emailed to engineers and technicians, or saved for comparisons to future scans.
The OmniScan phased array, which is made by Olympus, is a portable, multi-element inspection unit that uses eddy current or ultrasonic technologies to detect corrosion or cracks in multi-layered aluminum. OmniScan can’t penetrate as deeply as the MAUS V, but it can be set up faster and it may be able to inspect more complex geometries.

Typical applications for the MAUS V are the fuselage, outboard TE box, and leading edges, while OmniScan is often used to inspect a cockpit window exterior skin, cabin windows, and baggage door corners.
Gulfstream continues to explore emerging NDT technologies to reduce aircraft downtime for inspections, increase aircraft availability, enhance inspection reliability, increase machine reliability, and cut down inspection time.

Gulfstream is always looking for ways to improve its aircraft, and that includes enhanced corrosion protection. Among the things Gulfstream Service Engineering has done in this area is to send protective coatings for some aircraft components for testing at the NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Corrosion Technology Laboratory in Florida. The lab subjects various coated components to varying temperatures, as well as humidity, rain, wind, and ultraviolet rays, to determine which is the most corrosion-resistant. The most promising coatings will be used in future aircraft designs.

Composite materials are also being evaluated as a possible remedy for the corrosion and aging issues associated with aluminum aircraft. Composites are not subject to corrosion in the same way that metallic structures are. However, if a metal is being used as a component of a composite material, corrosion could still occur. Therefore, careful considerations and insulation of metal components is a must during the design/development of composite assemblies containing metal.

In addition to its own corrosion-control efforts, Gulfstream relies on operators to share their knowledge of corrosion. The company has formed a number of teams, including a basic maintainability group, a safety review team, and a customer advisory board, to provide feedback on a host of topics, including corrosion.

When it comes to preventing corrosion, an aviation company’s work is never done.

Source: AMTonline