Patent ID: 7448270
Filing Date: 2008-11-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of inspecting a structure, the method comprising: providing a structure comprising a skin and a channel member, the channel member comprising a first interface portion and a second interface portion each attached to the skin such that a channel surrounded by the skin and channel member is defined; transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the structure through the skin such that at least a first portion of the signal propagates across the channel member partially about the channel from the first interface portion to the second interface portion; receiving the first portion of the signal from the structure through the skin; and detecting a defect in the channel member based upon at least the received first portion of the ultrasonic signal wherein the channel member comprises: a generally planar elongate first web member that comprises the first interface portion; a generally planar elongate second web member that comprises the second interface portion; and a generally planar elongate cap member attached along opposing interfaces thereof to the first web member and second web member respectively; wherein transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the structure comprises transmitting an ultrasonic signal into the structure such that at least the first portion of the signal propagates, in sequential order, through the skin, across the first web member, across the cap member, across the second web member, and through the skin.