TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY --Nonlinear ultrasonic scanning system or detecting material defects: LAR-14673-1

NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. THE TECHNOLOGY: Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have developed a method and system for detecting defects in a material by mixing waves of known frequencies at an interaction zone in the material. This method and system provides a defect detection capability that will allow structures to be repaired or taken out of service before cracks can develop. A structure can be scanned in situ and need not be under stress for accurate measurement. The invention is well suited to be used as part of a preventive maintenance program for a variety of material, vehicle and/or structural applications. The NASA method and system for detects defects in a material by mixing waves of known frequencies at an interaction zone in the material. As a result, at least one of a difference wave and a sum wave are generated in the interaction zone. The difference wave occurs at a difference frequency and the sum wave occurs at a sum frequency. The amplitude of at least one nonlinear signal based on the sum and/or difference waves is then measured. The nonlinear signal is defined as the amplitude of one of the difference wave and sum wave relative to the product of the amplitude of the surface waves. The amplitude of the nonlinear signal is an indication of defects (e.g., dislocation dipole density) in the interaction zone. This highly accurate, in situ method enables earlier detection of fatigue failures. NASA is seeking to license this technology commercially. US Patent 5,736,642. To express interest in this opportunity, please respond to [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. Please also provide the nature of your interest in the technology along with a brief background of your company. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at http://technology.nasa.gov/ . These responses are provided to members of NASA Langley’s Office of Strategic Analysis and Business Development “OSACB” for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. If direct licensing interest results from this posting, OSACB will follow the required formal licensing process of posting in the Federal Register. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.