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Home
Using the
CATT
Sample
Data & Images
Semi-Automated Cart
Company
Information
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Advanced
Structural Imaging, Inc.
1502
Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50010
515/231-1579
Computer-Aided
Tap Tester (CATT)
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Tap Testing
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Tap testing is a
time-proven NDI practice that is fast, low cost and effective for inspecting
composites. It has been shown that tap testing can detect more flaws in
honeycomb than any other technique except neutron radiography (Hagemaier, SAMPE 1978). However, inspections based on
the sound of a coin tap are subjective and do not provide quantitative
information. Additionally, until now, it has been difficult to document the
extent of damages to a structure for reports or for archiving.
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Tap Testing
Using the CATT System
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The patented Computer-Aided Tap Testing system significantly
improves the tap testing method. Quantitative data relating to the surface stiffness
of the component is collected and the reliance on the audio signal is
completely eliminated. The impact duration of an accelerometer tapper is
measured and fed into an Microsoft Excel
spreadsheet to produce C-scan images revealing structural features, damage
and flaws within a component. Data can be collected by manual tapping or
with the use of a semi-automated tapping cart so that both structures with
curved and flat surfaces can be inspected. Images can also be produced to
display the local stiffness (an effective spring constant) of the structure
and the percentage loss of stiffness caused by damages.
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Product
Literature on the CATT System
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