Memo
To: Dr. Stearman
From: Jennie Mitchell and Laura Dobberstein
Topic: ASE 463Q Project
Our project is associated with the structural integrity of Boeing 737 lap joints. Southwest Airlines requested that our group design a quick non-destructive testing (NDT) method for determining if lap joint rivets in their 737 fleet are finished with an anodic coating or an alodined chemical conversion coating. Boeing issued a procedure using eddy current testing as a solution to the problem that takes approximately 15 seconds per rivet. Southwest Airlines would like to be able to determine the rivets’ finish in five seconds or less.
We feel that this project was extremely challenging and we have worked diligently on it throughout the semester. We conducted research on NDT processes, coatings properties, and current methods used in industry. After the midterm, our project presumed a completely different approach. Instead of focusing on developing a new non-destructive testing method, we focused on decreasing the time to execute Boeing’s procedure by making it automated. An initial design was developed by the team, which we later discovered was almost identical to a design already developed by Carnegie Mellon University. Extensive research was conducted on CMU’s approach, and a comprehensive list of modifications to the design to meet the requirements of our project was developed. The method is evaluated in our paper on the basis of time and financial considerations, availability and ergonomics. We have also outlined the design of an Automatic Inspection Robot (AIR). AIR incorporates various technologies from existing automatic inspection robots to create a system that masters measurement, maneuverability, monitoring and mobility.
Our team will submit procedures and efficiency ratings to SWA for review and implementation.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to actively apply the knowledge we acquired throughout our engineering curriculum.
Jennie Mitchell and Laura Dobberstein