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In the MMS15 Project an Interactive Knowledge Base IKB on non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of composites has been developed by AEA Technology's National NDT Centre (NNDTC) in partnership with QinetiQ and Net Composites. The IKB is being made accessible to industry through the NetComposites portal. A link will also be established on the Materials Solutions site which gives access to a range of information tools developed on DTI programmes.
This User Guide shows how to access the IKB and gives examples of the use of the main features. Click on any of the following links to get information on specific Features or scroll through the guide to find the feature of interest.
The main deliverable from MMS15 is the Interactive Knowledge Base IKB on NDE of composites accessible via the Internet. The IKB allows the user to browse for information on NDE methods in different ways and answer questions they may have on NDE of composites. For example:
A state-of-the-art user-interface gives dissemination via the NetComposites portal. The information can be accessed in a number of ways and features include: Browse by NDE method, Browse by Defect Type, Technique Selection, Search and Feedback. A user guide can be accessed as a .PDF file or web pages. The IKB structure is simple and reliable giving a short path to get to useful information.
The IKB is designed to provide users of composites with an authoritative guide as to what NDE techniques are available, what defect types are detectable by or difficult for a particular inspection technique and what information there is available on performance and reliability. This is the beta (pre-release testing) version of an Interactive Knowledge Base (IKB) on non-destructive evaluation and design of composites. The knowledge base contains a vast amount of information on the selection and use of non-destructive evaluation techniques for composites, with a series of comprehensive search and interrogation functions. The IKB allows user to browse for information by NDE method and defect type with data examples and standards sets of information such as defects, examples, pros & cons, equipment, principles and procedures.
To assist users a technique selection tool has been developed that allows users to ask and answer a series of questions (Q&As) that define the nature of their application. The selection tool is designed to indicate techniques that could be suitable. Links allow the user to browse more detailed information on these methods in the IKB. Experience shows the method despite the intrinsic simplicity can be valuable in highlighting methods that an industrial user or experienced NDE practitioner may not have considered. The selection tool uses a simple and transparent scoring system and the scores and comments are available to the user so they can use their judgement on how to proceed. The scores put together from experts and experienced users and subject to audit. The IKB includes other live features including feedback and an NDE Forum that allow dialogue and interaction and the facility to comment and submit new information.
At the start of the project it was recognised that the major benefit to UK and European industry would come if the information was freely accessible and not hidden behind UserIDs and passwords. This could assist overseas competitors but conversely could provide contacts and a market for UK NDE service companies. It was proposed the main route for access to the IKB would be through the Net Composites Portal one of the most widely accessed internet sites for composite materials.
To facilitate this the IKB software has been integrated with the software on the NetComposites web site and specific software developed to allow the uploading of associated databases and pages of information, taking account differences in database heirarchy and web coding. A separate link will be initiated from the DTI Materials Solutions portal which includes other DTI funded tools for the composites industry. A separate Development Version can be accessed with password on the AEA Technology server. All information can be accessed via a dedicated website www.mms15.com .
The home page on the NetComposites site looks as follows. The light blue Menu Bar at the left of the screen accesses the main Features of the IKB.
The Home page on the Development site looks similar except without the NetComposites Logo. The menu for the IKB in the left hand blue bar operates identically in the two versions.
The IKB is driven mainly using the blue Left Hand Menu, on the left hand side of the screen. This lets the User decide which Feature to use. On selecting a particular Menu Item the User will see the next level down of Menu Options. These will also appear as Hyperlinks on the Page . A Horizontal Menu Bar also appears on the pages allowing the User to search for particular topics such: Introduction, Examples and Equipment.
The Left hand Menu gives the User the choice of how to Browse for Information. By clicking on individual Main Menu Items the user may:
On clicking on a particular option - In the example below Method - other options open up. the menu shows where you are in the knowledge Base. In the Example below the user has clicked the mouse three times to select Browse by Method , Common, and finally Acoustic Emission. the Introduction page for each Subject will automatically come up by default.
The information on a particular NDE Method or Defect Type is accessed using the Horizontal Drop-Down Menu which appears at the top of the page. This allows the User to browse information under particular Topics or Information Sets such as Introduction, Examples, Defects etc.
The appearance of the Horizontal Menu differs on the NetComposites and Development Sites. On the NetComposites Version the menu is grey with the names of available Topics in white. Clicking the Topic name e.g Introduction, Examples will bring up the first page. Hitting the +- Symbol will open up a Drop Down Menu showing the names of available pages for that Topic as shown below. Clicking a page name will open that page. Clicking the +- Symbol again will close the drop down menu.
In the Development version the horizontal menu does not include drop down menus. A particular page is selected from bullet pointed links on the page, having selected a particular Topic.
At any time the user can move to a different place in the IKB, such as Browse by Defect, by clicking in the appropriate place in the Left Hand menu or click the IKB symbol at the top of the left hand menu to return to the Home page.
The set of Topics available in the Horizontal Menu will depend on the feature selected but the sets of information will be be consistent in a particular part of the IKB. For example, when Browsing by NDE method the user should see
If Browsing by NDE Method.
Or:
If Browsing by Defect Type.
The IKB lets the user Browse for Information in three ways:
The IKB has the following additional Features
Developments in NDE methods continue to occur and users may wish to comment or add to the information on a particular page in the IKB. To help the IKB remain current an interactive Feedback feature is included and a separate conference facility or NDE Forum. By hitting the Feedback option users can send an email to the development team. Importantly the message identifies and gives a link to the precise page the user is looking at when they made the comment. This gives a fast route to correct any errors in the IKB or for users to submit new information or examples for consideration.
The Feedback facility allows the User to send a comment on any part of the IKB. The Feedback facility is intuitive and the Email sent will give the exact details and a hyperlink to the Page you are looking at when you choose to hit the Feedback option on the Left Hand Menu.
This means you simply need to give your Comment and hit Send. We will know from the message which page you were looking at and can go using the hyperlink directly to it. There is no need to describe where you were in the IKB.
You will be given an acknowledgement on sending the Feedback.
The Email we receive will look as follows
In this case clicking on the Hyperlink on the Feedback Message takes us to the following Page:
A module has been written that allows the user to browse for information by NDE Method. This is the main route for accessing information in the IKB. To help the user NDE methods are categorised as common, specialised or developmental. Definitions are as follows:
Although common methods may have most resonance to industrial users raising awareness of newer methods was considered a major benefit of the present programme. Modern methods of composite fabrication can pose real problems for inspection where common methods may not always be the most applicable.
The Common NDE methods include: Acoustic Emission (AE) Acoustic Impact (AI) Laser Shearography (LS) Mechanical Impedance (MI) Membrane Resonance (MR) Thermography (TT) Ultrasonic B-Scan (UB) Ultrasonic amplitude C-Scan (UC) Ultrasonic depth scan (2D map of structure, colour represents depth, rather than attenuation) (UD) Ultrasonic thickness (A-scan) or 'Ultrasonic A-Scan' (UA) Visual (included enhanced) (V) X-Radiography (XR). Information on over thirty Specialised and Developmental techniques is included.
The term Common is used in this knowledge base to refer to techniques that are well established and commonly used for inspection of composite materials and do not require specialised application. This broadly includes ultrasonics, thermography, tap-testing, visual and radiography.
Common NDE methods can be browsed by selecting Browse by NDE Method on the left Hand menu and then selecting Common. A bullet point list on the page shows the Common NDE methods available to Browse in the IKB. Select the method you need more information on. The list of methods can also be accessed via the left hand item on the Drop Down Menu.
Individual NDE methods that have been classified here as Common include:
This includes some that are more established than others as well as more modern techniques such as transient thermography and laser shearography that have come into their own in practical application in the last five years.
Specific information on an NDE method such as Examples, Pros & Cons, Equipment etc. can be accessed by clicking on the Horizontal menu Bar at the top of the page
Specialised NDE methods can be browsed in a similar way by selecting Browse by NDE Method on the left Hand menu and then selecting Specialised. A bullet point list on the page shows the Specialised NDE methods available to Browse in the IKB. Select the method you need more information on. The list of methods can also be accessed via the left hand item on the Drop Down Menu.
The Specialised NDE methods currently included in the IKB include the following:
Developmental NDE methods can be browsed in a similar way by selecting Browse by NDE Method on the left Hand menu and then selecting Developmental as on the following illustration. A bullet point list on the page shows the Developmental NDE methods available to Browse in the IKB. Select the method you need more information on. The list of methods can also be accessed via the left hand item on the Drop Down Menu.
The developmental NDE methods currently included in the IKB include the following:
A common need is to identify NDE methods that are most applicable to the type of defects known to cause concern in particular components. For example this could be delaminations, adhesive disbonds or fipre wrinkling or misalignment in more modern moulded components. MMS15 has addressed this need by developing a Browse by Defect Type module. This allows the user to drill down by defect type, find out more about the defect and summarises the NDE methods that could be applicable with examples of data.
The following defects types are included:
There are many factors in composites that may affect the suitability of an NDE method, for example: material, defect type, location, type of composite - sandwich or monolithic, fibre type, thickness, coatings, access, complexity. It would not be simple to address these all by separate browse features. An important achievement of MMS15 is the development of a Technique Selection Tool previously referred to as Recommend a Technique.
The selection tool allows users to ask and answer a series of questions (Q&As) that define the nature of their application. The Q&As were carefully chosen and agreed by project partners with assistance from the IAG to reflect the main factors that may impact on the suitability of different NDE techniques. The methodology established over several years in other IKB applications such as the HOIS offshore JIP involves multiplying a series of scores or rankings together based on the answers given. These scores vary from 0 to 10. A score of 0 means that that factor rules out that NDE technique, a score of 10 means that the factor has no impact on the effectiveness of the technique. An intermediate score indicates that the capability is reduced slightly, partly or significantly. The system offer much flexibility.
The user can ask and answer as many Q&As as are necessary to define their problem. At any time they can select view results and see an ordered list of techniques that may be applicable and their overall ranking or suitability. The basis of the scores can be seen on a summary table with comments and is transparent to users. The selection tool is designed to indicate techniques that could be suitable. Links take the user to detailed information on the NDE method in the IKB. Experience shows the method despite it's intrinsic simplicity can be valuable in highlighting methods that an industrial user or experienced NDE practitioner may not have originally considered.
Note that the applicability of inspection methods will depend on specific factors such as the geometry,resins, fibres, core and coatings used. These are included generically in the scoring process. The User is strongly recommended to browse the detailed information on individual NDE methods suggested to confirm there are no special issues in their problem that may rule out or limit the feasibility of suggested techniques.
Begin by selecting Technique Selection (or Recommend in earlier versions) on the Left Hand menu. This brings up a series of Questions that can be answered by the user to define his inspection problem. The Technique Selection Tool is applicable to composite components and structures both monolithic and sandwich structures. The technique selection feature covers fibre reinforced plastics FRP only including GRP, CFRP and Kevlar reinforced.
The questions include:
Each question will have a number of possible answers that can be used to define your inspection problem. Note that there are specific questions that only relate to sandwich structures (see below).
At the bottom of the Questions on the Left Hand Menu are two results buttons
At any time you can hit the View Results button and see a list of possible NDE techniques relevant to the answers you have given. Clear all Answers clears any answers you have given and resets to the starting position.
To define your inspection problem select Questions in turn by clicking on each relevant question in the Left Hand Menu. On clicking a question a series of possible answers will come up. Click the check box against the answer that most closely resembles your inspection situation. Repeat for other questions. At any time you can see a list of possible NDE techniques with rankings by hitting View Results at the bottom of the Left Hand Menu. You can clear individual answers by hitting the Clear Button on the page for that question. Hitting Clear all Answers at the bottom of the left hand menu will clear all answers. In the example below the user has answered questions on Material and Defect Type selecting GRP Monolithic and Delamination >10mm as the answers.
It is suggested you answer a few questions initially, see what NDE methods come up on hitting view results, then refine your definition by answering additional questions. Note that there are some questions that are specific to monolithic composites or sandwich structures and the relevant questions should be selected in each case.
At any time you can hit the View Results button in the Left Hand Menu. This brings up a Table with a ranked list of techniques.
The techniques are shown in decreasing order of score, with the most relevant NDE technique for the answers you have given shown at the top. Clicking the name of the technique will take you direct to the section on that NDE method in Browse by NDE Method to allow you to find more detail and assess the practicalities of that technique for your problem. Clicking the Table Icon at the right of each technique in the list brings up a table with the individual scores for that technique. This gives the scores for each question you selected ( from 0 t0 100%)and a comment in each case indicating why that technique was given a particular score. The scores reflect how a given answer in the opinion of our experts and auditors would affect the suitability of the NDE method for your application.
A separate list is given for Common techniques and for Specialised and Developmental techniques. It was recognised that in most cases people would prefer to use a Common and routinely available technique and having a single list may confuse.. There is a lot more experience in using the Common methods and hence the scores are likely to have greater accuracy. It was considered useful to also include a list of the Specialised methods: this raises awareness of these alternative methods and may offer a solution in difficult inspections where for various reasons Common methods are not applicable. The scores and comments for specialised methods should be treated with more caution and it is strongly recommended that the Browse feature of the IKB is used to find out more detail.
Clicking on the Table icon to the right of the score for the NDE Method brings up a list of Scores that have been allocated to that NDE method for the Questions and Answers (Q&As) you have given. The score ranges from 0% (rules out) to 100% (no effect). A comment is given indicating the basis behind the score. The scores are simply multiplied to give the overall Score or Ranking for that NDE method. This metod means that a score of 0 would result if any answer rules out the NDE method. The comments allow the user to assess the relevance of the score to their specific application and re-run the Technique Selection feature if necessary. Similarly if two methods come out much the same in the ranking, the User could answer additional questions to refine the decision process.
The Drop Down List at the bottom of the Results Page and View Report Button enable the user to view the scores and comments for all techniques, including others that may not have featured in the above list. This alternative enables the user to understand why a particular NDE method may have been ruled out for their application.
Clicking any of the links on the Results List will take you directly to the section on that NDE Method under Browse. In this case clicking the link for Ultrasonic A-Scan (UA) takes you to that page in the IKB.
At the bottom of the Questions on the Left Hand Menu is the
At any time you can hit the Clear All Answers Button to clears any answers you have given and reset to the starting position.
You can clear or change individual answers by hitting the Clear button on the Answers Page or selecting a new answer.
There are a number of Questions that relate only to Sandwich Structures. These are indicated by the word Sandwich in brackets following the question e.g. Core Material (Sandwich). Do not answer these for monolithic composites or you will skew the results.
There are a number of Questions that relate only to Monolithic composites. These are indicated by the word Monolitic in brackets following the question e.g. Fibre Material (Monolithic). Do not answer these for sandwich structures or you will skew the results. These may also be appropriate for inspections of large sandwich components if the part of the structure being examined does not actually include core material, such as the edge of a stiffened panel. These questions include:
It is important for users to have confidence in the selection tool. With this aim, the original scores were obtained from experts both users, researchers and suppliers of the technology. The full spreadsheet of scores and comments were subject to detailed Audit by Robert Smith from QinetiQ and Steve Burch, Head of the National NDT Centre. The strategy for scoring, audit report and full table of Scores is accessible to users and can also be seen on the dedicated project website www.mms15.com . It is likely that further refinement will occur with use of the IKB and associated feedback.
An interactive Search facility has been included to help the user go quickly to specific information in the IKB. A ranked list of information is provided dependent on the keywords entered with automatic links to the information, similar to using an Internet Search Engine. In the example below the word Laser has been entered. By clicking on any answer in the Search List you are taken immediately to that page within the IKB.
A separate NDE Forum has been implemented on the NetComposites site linked to the IKB. This is one of a number of Forums on separate composites issues. Users can register and initiate discussion on new issues or respond to existing issues. The Forum is moderated by NetComposites. The Forum gives an additional source of information and comment to users. The Forum provides another method for updating information on the IKB with time.
The Forum can be opened by clicking on the Forum button in the top dark blue NetComposites Menu then selecting the Non Destructive Evaluation Forum. Relevant data arising freom the Forum or via Feedback may if suitable be added to the IKB.
Fibre reinforced composite materials are increasingly used in industry; both monolithic and more complex sandwich structures. Their application has spread from high technology industries such as aerospace and defence to other sectors including chemical, offshore, marine, transport and civil applications. Each industry faces different challenges and the materials used and nature of the composite fabrications may differ.
A common feature is that defects and damage can occur, which reduce the strength and stiffness, and determine the safe working life of composite structures. These are complex, various and intricately related to a variety of service conditions and failure modes under many different circumstances. Defects may be introduced during manufacture, accidentally in-service or perhaps unavoidably in design because of the requirement to introduce discontinuities such as cut-outs, ply drops or structural connections.
The uptake of composites in industry has been limited by a perception that they are difficult to inspect. In some cases this has lead to over reliance on visual methods at the expense of component quality. In reality a number of common and established methods for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) are routinely available and there have been significant advances in NDE systems and technology. Newer methods such as laser shearography and transient thermography are now well accepted in aerospace and marine sectors and finding applications elsewhere; in many cases replacing traditional methods such as ultrasonic C-scanning. In ultrasonic systems the development of modern digital flaw detectors and improvements like wheel probes have opened up new avenues of data aquisition and analysis. Although relatively few NDE methods are practically used on composites by industry, there are an increasing number of newer and specialised methods such as microwaves, acoustography and vibro-thermography which are showing promise in specific applications
The aim of the MMS15 project was to maximise UK and European industrial competitiveness in the composite materials industry, through:
In the MMS15 Project an Interactive Knowledge Base IKB has been developed on NDE of composites by AEA Technology's National NDT Centre in partnership with QinetiQ and NetComposites. The Project has benefited from considerable support from industry and input on current and past projects from project partners. Nobletech and Jack Stow Software assisted in the development and evolution of the IKB software and menu systems throughout the project.
The IKB will be made accessible to industry by dissemination through the NetComposites portal with links in the DTI Materials Solutions Portal. The project has been successful in raising industry awareness of newer or more specialised NDE methods that are becoming available. It is considered the project could considerably advance the use of composites in UK and European industry from the knowledge that non-destructive evaluation NDE methods are available. The information in the IKB is likely to benefit UK industry and lead to an improvement in the overall quality of manufactured components. Through the links with the MMS13 project a good link has been established between NDE and application of NDE data in defect assessment of composites.
This work was funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry as part of the Measurements for Materials Systems Programme. The considerable body of information and case studies input from the project partners National NDT Centre NNDTC, QinetiQ and Industrial Advisory Group members named below is gratefully acknowledged. The assistance and advice of project partners Net Composites and Nobletech and Jack Stow Software in the development and evolution of the IKB software and menu sytems throughout the project is gratefully acknowledged.
There are many companies whose assistance with this project has been invaluable, including.
Throughout the three year project duration, IAG meetings were held every six months jointly for MMS15 and MMS13, alternating between NPL and AEAT. The contribution of the IAG in providing materials, guidance, case studies, review of documents and attending meetings is gratefully acknowledged.
A fundamental objective of MMS15 was that information should be independent, based on technical considerations, sources of information clearly identified, and not influenced by commercial considerations. The maximum benefit was seen in making the IKB freely accessible and not charging for access. These objectives limit some potential sources of future funding.
As with any knowledge base system it is important that information is updated as technology develops and new experience is gained. A number of routes are envisaged to allow progressive update of information
A three year DTI Technology funded programme, ACLAIM, lead by AEA Technology and with NPL as a major partner was launched in March 2005. The ACLAIM project aims to develop a framework for assessing the integrity of advanced composite structures over the complete life cycle through an integrated approach to structural health monitoring and management. This framework will require development of new multi-functional sensors, improved modelling of defect criticality with these developments validated through laboratory and in-service performance trials culminating in good practice guidance.In addition the use of novel embedded sensors for monitoring the condition of composite material systems will be considered for the next Measurements for Materials Characterisation programme.
Feedback is best received via the Feedback feature on the IKB. This sends and Email directly to the Project Partners and tells us with associated hyperlink exactly where you were in the IKB when you made the comments.
General enquiries relating to MMS15 and the IKB should be passed to the National NDT Centre, part of AEA Technology Engineering Solutions. Contact details are as follows:
MMS15 Project Manager,
National NDT Centre (NNDTC)
AEA Technology PLC Engineering Solutions,
551.11 Becquerel Avenue
Harwell International Business Centre
Harwell, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
OX11 0QJ
Tel: 0870 1902229/2215 info@mms15.com or info@nndtc.com Comments relating to the NetComposites site should be directed to NetComposites directly at info@netcomposites.com or via the NetComposites website www.netcomposites.com
AEA Technology PLC and NetComposites ('The Partners') offers its web site and Interactive Knowledge Base (IKB) on an "as is" basis. The IKB distributes information supplied by third parties and provides Internet links and references gathered automatically. Although we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, you should not assume that any materials identified, located or obtained through the use of the IKB or web site are error-free.
The Partners reserve the right to add and delete sources from the site, or change the pricing of documents, at any time and without notice.
Inclusion of any Internet reference or any third party content in this web site in no way constitutes an endorsement or authentication of that material by the Providers. As a condition of using this service, you assume all risk of loss resulting from the use of, or reliance upon, this web site or any materials identified, located or obtained by using this web site.
The Partners and its suppliers and licensors make no warranty regarding the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the materials and disclaim all warranties of merchantability, non-infringement and fitness for a particular purpose and all conditions of quality. The Partners' and its suppliers' and licensors' total liability arising out of any type of legal claim (whether in contract, tort or otherwise), shall be limited to any amounts you may have paid to the Partners and, in the absence of any such payment, the Partners and its suppliers and licensors shall have no liability.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, in no event will the Partners or its suppliers and licensors be liable for any indirect, consequential, incidental, special, multiple, punitive or similar damages including, but not limited to, damages for lost profits, loss of goodwill, loss of data, or any and all other loss resulting from your use of this web site or any material referenced by, or obtained by using, this web site (including any loss caused by any harmful, corrupted, defective, virus-infected, indecent or obscene materials), arising out of any type of legal claim (whether in contract, tort or otherwise), whether or not the Partners or its suppliers or licensors have been advised of the possibility of such damage. Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
Any information, opinion, advice, statement, service, offer, or other materials or content including but not limited to images, sound files, data files, databases, executable application files or any other material expressed or made available by such third parties or Internet references are the property and responsibility of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of the Partners.
The Technique Selection tool in the IKB is designed to indicate NDE methods that may possibly have applicability to a problem defined by users of the IKB. Users are recommended to independently assess the suitability of any techniques suggested for their specific application. The Partners and its suppliers and licensors shall have no liability relating to the use of the Technique Selection tool by other parties.