Olympus 35RDC Ultrasonic Composite Damage Checker

The Olympus 35RDC Ultrasonic Composite Damage Checker is a lightweight and easy-to-use handheld instrument designed to detect subsurface defects caused by impact damage on composite structures, specifically aircraft composite structures. Weighing only 0.24 kg (8.5 oz.) and featuring a simplified keypad, this rugged ultrasonic instrument is easy to operate and requires minimal training. Developed by Olympus under a license from Boeing Management Co., the 35RDC is a reliable tool for preliminary screening and damage assessment of composite materials.

Key Features

The Olympus 35RDC is a simple Go/No-Go ultrasonic gage that uses an ultrasonic transducer to detect subsurface defects in composite materials. Some of its key features and specifications include:
Weighing only 0.24 kg (8.5 oz.), making it lightweight and portable.

• A simplified keypad for easy operation and minimal training requirements.
• Explicitly designed for detecting subsurface defects caused by impact damage on composite structures.
• A reliable tool for preliminary screening and damage assessment of composite materials.

How It Works

The Olympus 35RDC works by emitting ultrasonic waves into the composite material and measuring the time it takes for the waves to return to the transducer. If there is a subsurface defect, such as delamination or disbonds, the ultrasonic waves will be reflected back to the transducer, indicating the presence of damage. The instrument then provides a Go/No-Go indication based on the user-defined threshold for acceptable damage levels.

Applications

• The Olympus 35RDC is primarily used in the aerospace industry for the inspection of aircraft composite structures. It is specifically designed to detect subsurface defects caused by impact damage, making it an essential tool for maintaining the structural integrity of aircraft. Some of its key applications include:
• Inspection of composite panels and structures in aircraft.
• Damage assessment and preliminary screening of composite materials in the aerospace industry.
• Quality control and non-destructive testing of composite components in the manufacturing process.

Advantages and Limitations

The Olympus 35RDC Ultrasonic Composite Damage Checker offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice for many users. These advantages include:

• Lightweight and portable design, making it easy to carry and use in various locations.
• Simple and intuitive operation, requiring minimal training for users.
• Quick and reliable subsurface defect detection allows for efficient damage assessment and screening.
• Explicitly designed for detecting impact damage on composite structures, ensuring accurate and targeted inspections.

However, the Olympus 35RDC also has some limitations that users should be aware of:

• It is a Go/No-Go instrument, meaning it can only provide a binary indication of the presence or absence of damage. It cannot provide detailed information about the size or severity of the damage.
• The instrument’s performance may be affected by surface roughness, material thickness, and the presence of coatings or other surface treatments.
• It is unsuitable for detecting damage in non-composite materials or for applications requiring detailed information about the damage.

Olympus 35RDC Ultrasonic Composite Damage Checker Specifications:

General

• Environmental IP65 compliant: Splash-proof, impact-resistant case. Sealed, color-coded keypad
• Operating Temperature Range: -10° C to +50° C (+14° F to 122° F)
• Size: (W x L x H): 84 mm x 152 mm x 84 mm (3.31 in. x 6.0 in. x 1.50 in.)
• Weight: 0.24 kg (8.5 oz)
• Standard Inclusions: Wrist strap, 3 AA batteries, 5 MHz transducer, transducer cable, couplant, carrying case, rubber protective boot with neck strap, instruction manual, two-year limited warranty
• Display Modes:
  • Digital Readout Good, Bad or Beyond CAL thickness
  • Advanced user setting shows A-scan or waveform. For use by qualified NDT personnel only.
• Thickness Measurement Range: 0.63 mm to 22.8 mm (0.025 in. to 0.900 in.) (Thickness range depends on material, transducer, and surface conditions.)
• Material Velocity: Fixed velocity for carbon fiber aerospace composite
• Transducer Frequency: 5.0 MHz
• Measurement Update Rate: 20 Hz
• Deviation alarm set points: Programmable +/- from calibration point. Set in advance setup

Power Supply

• Battery: 3 AA alkaline or NiMH batteries
• Operating Time: 150 hours typical battery life; 30 hours continuous with backlight on
• Low Battery Indicator: Continuously indicates battery status
• Battery Saver: Auto Power Off/Continuous On
• AC Power Supply: Optional