Abstract
In order to effectively apply nondestructive inspection (NDI) technologies to the detection of hidden corrosion on painted metal substrates, corrosion test standards fabricated with materials of construction similar to the application of interest and containing discrete corrosion defects of varying area to depth aspect ratios are needed. Use of corrosion NDI test standards is needed to determine the detection threshold and sensitivity of the respective NDI instrumentation used for specific applications in the analysis and evaluation of NDI data acquired from product, vehicles, and materiel having a field service history of exposure to corrosive environments. This paper summarizes highlights of the invention “Processes to Create Discrete Corrosion Defects on Substrates and Establish Corrosion NDI Test Standards” protected under U.S. Patent 7,776,606 issued August 2010 culminating a near decade development effort by the author for the use of corrosion NDI test standards with flash thermography NDI as a tool to support condition based maintenance. Detection of hidden corrosion at its onset is beneficial so that localized areas affected can be identified and repaired before costly substrate damage occurs.
