Ultrasound for Machines
Material defects, deformations and corrosion of components can lead to the need for extensive servicing measures and expensive downtime. In order to prevent such machine failures, KT-Systems GmbH is presenting a postage stamp sized ultrasound sensor at the Hannover Messe 2009 which can be used for permanent monitoring of components and structures.
Due to its size, the sensor can be connected directly with the relevant component, which allows it to detect the smallest defects (such as fatigue cracks), deformations or wear. The resulting data is read via a ground device and is then analyzed on a computer. As well as traditional materials, such as steel and aluminum, new building materials, such as the fiber composites found in airplane construction and wind power plants, can also be checked by the sensor.
