Ultrasonic Inspection for Roadwheel Bondline Quality.

摘要

This project was directed at evaluating the feasibility of using ultrasonics, coupled with a unique microprocessor signal analysis and processing system, to determine rebuilt roadwheel quality. A series of roadwheels were ultrasonically tested, with the data recorded for subsequent computer analysis. The wheels were then either peel, drum, or road tested. A subsequent comparison between certain ultrasonic signal characteristics (signal amplitude and % circumferential phase change) and roadwheel disposition allowed accept/reject limit selection which provided 80% correct prediction of road failures by ultrasonics, with an 86% overall correct prediction of road tests results. When compared to peel results on the same set of roadwheels (60% and 50%), the ultrasonic results are encouraging. Limitations on conclusions, due to sample size and related assumptions, are severe. However, further work is indicated, directed at establishing the viability of the described ultrasonic test procedures for both manufacturing quality control and on-vehicle readiness evaluation. The former is already underway. An approach to the latter is suggested. (Author)