In a major technological advancement aimed at enhancing aviation safety and operational efficiency, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a non-destructive evaluation (NDE) framework that uses ultrasonic guided waves to detect structural damage in aircraft components. The new approach is expected to offer a faster, more cost-effective alternative to conventional inspection techniques.
Developed at CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), the technique leverages low-frequency guided waves to inspect aircraft structures. Researchers successfully demonstrated how wavefield interruptions in the guided wave patterns signal the presence of damage, while pristine components exhibit continuous, undisturbed wave propagation. The methodology not only confirmed damage presence but also effectively localised multiple zones of concern, validating the accuracy and robustness of the system.
The results have been published in Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, a respected international journal covering aerospace, mechanical, and civil engineering disciplines.
According to CSIR, this guided wave-based detection approach stands out due to its long-range inspection capabilities, low energy loss, and operational simplicity—key limitations in traditional NDE methods such as X-ray, eddy current testing, active thermography, and laser shearography, many of which either involve radiation exposure risks, high costs, or extensive inspection times.
In previous tests, phased array ultrasonic testing and radiography were used, but both methods showed declining sensitivity with increasing distance from the sensor, despite being quicker. The guided wave solution developed by NAL offers a more balanced outcome—delivering both speed and sensitivity.
Beyond civil aviation, the NDE framework is expected to be highly beneficial to the armed forces, particularly for routine airworthiness checks and life extension programmes of ageing aircraft fleets. As global aviation regulators and operators move towards predictive maintenance and proactive safety, CSIR’s innovation could become a cornerstone in the next generation of aircraft inspection protocols.
The project marks another stride in India’s push to develop indigenous, high-impact aerospace technologies, with direct applications across defence and commercial aviation sectors.
Reference: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/defence/csir-develops-non-destructive-technique-to-detect-damage-in-aircraft/
