Thesis Defense Announcement

The Herff College of Engineering announces the Final Thesis of

Stephen Tankersley

for the Degree of Master of Science

on March 2, 2018 at 1:30 PM in Engineering Science Building, Room 315

Advisor: Gary Qi

Evaluation for Defects & Damage in Multilayered Armor Plates using Acousto-Ultrasonics

ABSTRACT: The field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for inspection of multilayered armor plates is one that includes several different and distinct methods. Defects or cracks in the armor (either from manufacturing errors or service usage damage) that are not on the surface layer are not evident and can lead to failure of the structural integrity. Current methods are both costly and time consuming, they require the plate to be removed from service and taken to a lab for testing. The need for a portable and reliable NDT method for usage in the field is currently one that is not filled and the army currently has a call out for proposals. A successful method would allow for regular scheduled testing and give confidence to the continued usage of the armor. We have tested and identified a method of using the time of flight for ultrasonic waves to locate submillimeter defects and flaws within multilayered armor plates.