Patent ID: 6952094
Filing Date: 2005-10-04
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of inspecting a turbine wheel having axial slots along a perimeter thereof and an annular slot that intersects the axial slots, the axial slots having a geometry configured for mating with and securing airfoil members to the perimeter of the wheel, the method comprising the steps of: placing an eddy current probe of a probe assembly into the annular slot, the probe assembly comprising a mounting member to which the eddy current probe is mounted and means for engaging at least one of the annular and axial slots to maintain the eddy current probe at a fixed distance from surfaces of the annular slot when the eddy current probe is caused to travel through the annular slot; and causing the eddy current probe to travel through the annular slot in a circumferential direction of the turbine wheel and electromagnetically inspect the annular slot and at least one of the axial slots for cracks in the surfaces thereof.