Impact on Engine Maintainability of Gaseous Radioactive Penetrant Inspections 700598

Recent developments of radioactive gas penetrants have shown a capability for measuring microscopic defects such as are present in early low cycle fatigue. Reliable detection of these defects points the way to aircraft engine maintenance predicated on “condition” removal rather than time. The paper will deal with work now in progress using the new penetrant system on aircraft materials having defects typical of early low cycle fatigue.