News Bulletins NDE Methods to Enable Electron Beam Direct Manufacturing in F-35 Aircraft Production The Navy Metalworking Center, Johnstown, Pa., is managing a project funded by the Industrial Base Innovation Fund and Navy ManTech to advance electron beam direct manufacturing (EBDM) that will be used in F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production. 8 Inspection Trends / April 2013 The project will assess the capability of traditional and advanced nondestructive examination (NDE) processes for detecting defect types and sizes likely present in these parts. Also, it will quantify the effects of surface finish and heattreatment conditions on detection capability. The integrated project team will investigate methods such as traditional radiography, standard and phased array ultrasonic inspection, and computed tomography. Developing NDE test methods and acceptance standards are required for EBDM technology to be approved for fabricating F-35 airframe components. In addition, utilizing the technology for manufacturing F-35 titanium components will lower overall manufacturing costs considering EBDM facilitates fabricating components to a nearnet shape, requiring less raw material and machining. Upon approval, the recommended NDE practices will be implemented by Sciaky, Inc., and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics – Advanced Development Program on all designated EBDM components for the F-35 program beginning in 2015. GE Oil & Gas Establishes Technology Center in Iraq with Testing and Inspection Services To help rebuild Iraq’s energy infrastructure, GE Oil & Gas recently established a new technology and service center near Navy test pilot Lt. Christopher Tabert flies F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft BF-3 with inert AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles over the Atlantic Test Range. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy and copyright of Lockheed Martin by photographer Michael D. Jackson.)
Inspection Trends | April 2013
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