Aircraft blades, such as those found in jet engines and helicopter rotors, are subject to high levels of stress and must be regularly inspected to ensure they are in good condition. There are several methods of inspecting aircraft blades, including visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, and eddy current testing.
During a visual inspection, the blades are examined for cracks, corrosion, and other types of damage using tools such as telescopes and boroscopes. This allows the inspector to see into hard-to-reach areas of the blade and identify any issues that may need to be addressed.
Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to inspect the blade for defects. The sound waves are transmitted into the blade and their reflection patterns are used to determine the presence and location of any defects.
Eddy current testing involves using an alternating current to induce a current in the blade being tested. This current can be used to detect cracks and other types of defects in the blade.
Overall, regular inspections of aircraft blades are essential for ensuring their safety and reliability. By detecting and addressing any issues early on, it is possible to prevent problems that could lead to structural failure and potentially catastrophic consequences.