MAPOD – Model-Assisted POD Working Group There is an increasing recognition that the use of physics-based models has the potential to assist in the determination of POD by reducing the time and cost of conducting POD studies, quite likely increasing the accuracy and portability of the results in the process. However, the definition of procedures and protocols to best realize these advantages is in its early days; initial demonstrations have been made but the results have not been widely discussed. The Model-Assisted POD Working Group will consist of a broad community with interests in POD determination. It will serve as a forum to discuss and provide input on a wide variety of issues related to this emerging approach. Contact L. Bond.
NSF – Industry/University Cooperative Research Program is a cooperative research program sponsored jointly by industrial companies, the National Science Foundation and Iowa State University. Founded in 1985 with 14 industrial sponsors, the program now includes more than 20 member companies who pay a membership fee each year. The research is directed toward areas of industrial interest while maintaining compatibility with academic requirements for student participation in degree programs. Nondestructive evaluation involves the use of diagnostic techniques to determine the integrity of a structure, component or material, without destroying the usefulness of the item. The IUCRC emphasis is in the fields of aviation, transportation, energy, and manufacturing. Contact L. Bond.
NASA – Advanced NDE for Future Aerospace Systems supports the future needs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in two areas. Work on Foundations for Intelligent Sensing Materials for Ageless Aerospace Vehicles is targeted at NASA’s goal of a “Bold New Era in Aviation” characterized by materials that can sense damage or degradation in their conditions and can take action on what they have sensed, a strategy that is patterned after the behavior of living organisms. Building on ISU’s core strengths in both sensors and materials science, work is included in the areas of integrated fiber optic sensors; aircraft skins that “morph,” or change shape to adapt to their environment; nanotube-based sensors; materials that can be designed to perform special functions by mimicking biological systems; and novel ceramic-based sensors. This effort is complemented by the Application of Unique CNDE Capabilities to More Immediate NASA and Mission Assurance Problems. Included are efforts in such areas as leak detection and extra vehicular assessment of spacecraft, advanced techniques to inspect composite materials, the use of simulators to guide the rapid development of optimized inspection techniques, and the development and evaluation of novel approaches to detect the very early stages of damage. Contact L. Bond.
NSF – Collaboration for NDT Education is a program aimed at enhancing NDT education and improving articulation between community college technician programs and university technical degree programs. The effort is funded by the National Science Foundation, and is being accomplished through a consortium of two-year post secondary institutions and the CNDE at Iowa State University. The collaboration’s most visible effort is to develop an internet site that serves as a national focal point for NDE education. (See presentation) The internet site can be found at http://www.nde-ed.org The site serves as a resource to:
- Community college and technical school students by providing educational and reference resources that are supplementary to materials currently being used in the classroom.
- NDE educators by providing instructor resources such as research in learning styles and teaching techniques, and educational materials that make use of advanced teaching methods.
- Middle and high school math and science students and instructors by providing interactive materials that reinforce math and science concepts and discuss practical applications in the field of NDE.
- NDE professionals by providing a resource for up-to-date NDE-related information.
For further information contact L. Bond.
ARL – Army Research Lab: the focus of this effort has been on inspection efforts of vehicle and personnel protection. Among the accomplishments is an “effect of defects” study for vehicle armor and damage assessment for both vehicle and personnel including both body armor and helmets. Contact L. Bond.