Precision Eddy Current Sensor for Nondestructive Evaluation of Spacecraft Structures

NASA develops and manufactures complex high-performance structures for space applications. In order to mitigate risk to equipment and crew, NASA needs nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques and sensors that are capable of detecting cracks and corrosion of structures when these defects reside below conducting and non-conducting surfaces. Eagle Harbor Technologies, Inc. (EHT) is developing an eddy current NDE tool based their high gain integrator developed for fusion science applications. The high gain integrator sensitivity is comparable with superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDS), without the need for low temperature components. EHT proposes further evaluation and optimization to produce a NDE for NASA applications.

NASA is the primary customer for the high gain integrator based NDE tool. A handheld version of the NDE tool could be used by ground personnel, spacecraft crew, or automated robots to evaluate structures for subsurface defects. Additionally, this system could be built into materials for in situ evaluation.

The eddy current NDE tool based on the EHT high gain integrator will have applications beyond spacecraft evaluation. EHT anticipates that this type of tool could be used for other aerospace applications including evaluation of aging commercial and military aircraft. With EHT's ability to print small, flexible coils, these probes could be inserted into hard to access locations like piping or tubing.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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