Physics Project Abstract
BACKSCATTERED REFLECTOMETERY USING POLARIZATION MAINTAINING OPTICAL FIBERS
Presenter:
Nicholas Moryl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, 1500 West Sullivan Road, Aurora, IL 60506; amoryl@imsa.edu
Mentor:
Dr. William A. Ellingson, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Ave, Argonne, IL 60439
Abstract:
In the field of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), many studies have been performed on how to assess machining damage on machined ceramic components. The ceramic components of interest are for application to jet engines, diesel engines, components of satellites, or other complex machines that require low-maintenance parts. The purpose of NDE is to screen the parts for defects, in order to increase their useful life. It has been established through previous research at Argonne that by using different wavelengths of polarized laser light and special optical detectors, one can determine if there are any surface or sub-surface cracks, or defects. Due to the polarization of laser light, the detected backscattered pattern allows determination of the depth of the defect in the test sample, so it is possible to differentiate between the two types of defects. The importance of this testing is its non-destructive nature, allowing the re-testing the parts again in a real-world scenario after they have been screened to determine what defects are unacceptable. The automation of this process, using a rotational stage, would end up saving both time and money for not only the testers but the company whose parts were being tested.