The Acoustocam is a hand-held device that may be used as part of quick survey of suspected damage areas. The device shows subsurface defects that cannot be seen to the naked eye.
According to Imperium of Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, the user simply places a probe against the aircraft structure, and with proper equipment setup, subsurface defects appear on a handheld monitor. The method allows maintenance experts to remotely inspect and review composite structures located at another facility in real-time.
A full feature article about the Acoustocam will appear in the April 2009 issue of Reinforced Plastics.
