DEFENSE

Matrix Array Ultrasonic Testing: Military focused NDT equipment
Matrix Array Ultrasonic Testing (MAUT) is more than just an innovative, user-friendly, and data-rich product suitable for all operator skill levels. To ensure security of data, dolphitech created its military specification dolphicam2 range. The only Live C-Scan NDT ultrasonic intrument with all wireless communications disabled.

The Role of Non-Destructive Testing in the military
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the first, last and most crucial mens of ensuring safety of military assets on land, sea and air. Every day, critical decisions are made that ensure the operational safety of aircraft, helicopters, drones, ships and artillery vehicles. These decisions only possible thanks to the reliability of advanced NDT Ultrasonic equipment like the dolphicam2 product range.

Tailored Solutions with dolphicam2
The dolphicam2’s Transducer Modules (TRMs) can be selected to suit various inspection requirements. Whether you need a fixed delay line for specific inspections or replaceable delay lines for a broader scope of work, the dolphicam2 has you covered. As a compressional UT system, it requires only a Level 2 UT NDT technician qualification to sentence a defect, making it accessible without the extensive training needed for Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT). Acquiring data is easy, the visual aids of the live C-Scan and live 3D Render makes acquisition easy and quick, meaning that with some basic training anyone can acquire the data and provide the data securely to a NDT Level 2 off site for sentancing. Ensuring that, when a dolphicam2 is within reach, military assets can be assessed quickly and with confidence.

Comprehensive data acquisition, reporting and secure data transfer
With the dolphicam2, you get all the benefits of a Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) system, including C-Scan data (the only live C-Scan technology available), B-Scan data, A-Scan data, and unique live 3D rendering. This comprehensive data collection comes without the need for maintaining PAUT qualifications and on-job training hours. Reporting is straightforward: in just three steps, you can generate a full inspection report, which can be shared by secure data transfer systems. Our Windows based tablet means that it is adaptable to any security process.

Conclusion
Matrix Array Ultrasonic Testing, is at the forefront of ensuring safety in military NDT inspection. By integrating advanced, user-friendly technology with a security bias, dolphitech is helping to maintain the highest standards while maintaining the highest level of security of data. Whether for routine inspections or addressing unexpected maintenance needs in theatre or deployment, the dolphicam2 is an essential tool.

Upholding Industry Standards with dolphitech’s Approvals

Industry standards are the lifeblood of the NDT in both civil and military applications. Ensuring compliance, safety, conformity and security. At dolphitech, we are proud to hold several key approvals that underscore our commitment to these standards.

ASTM 3370-24

Our core standard is the ASTM 3370-24, “Standard Practice for Matrix Array Ultrasonic Testing of Composites, Sandwich Core Constructions, and Metals”. This standard provides operators across all industries with the confidence that the due diligence behind our technology has been thoroughly completed, and that Matrix Array Ultrasonic Testing (MAUT) exceeds all expectations.

Agile Combat Employment (ACE)

What is ACE? The Agile Combat Employment (ACE) program is a strategic initiative by the U.S. Air Force designed to enhance the resilience and survivability of its forces in contested environments. By shifting operations from centralized bases to a network of smaller, dispersed locations, ACE aims to complicate adversary targeting and increase operational flexibility. This proactive and reactive operational scheme allows the Air Force to generate combat power more effectively within threat timelines, ensuring that forces can adapt and prevail despite uncertainty. How does the dolphicam2 meet ACE requirements? The dolphicam2 platform is modular, meaning that all components are easily interchangeable, making the system easy to maintain in the field. dolphitech offers a world beating service, when coupled with our global network of partners, means that we can dispatch equipment fast to anywhere in the world. Visually, the system is easy to use. In as little as seven (7) steps the equipment can be up and running. Our strategically placed support team, means that a dolphitech expert is available 24 hours a day to provide support. And by using all the tools that come with a windows based system and the adaptability that comes with it, support is always on hand, even if the expert in not on site with the equipment. Meaning inspections can continue regardless.

Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA)

What is MOSA? The Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) is a strategic approach used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to design and develop systems that are adaptable, affordable, and interoperable. MOSA employs a modular design with open standards, allowing system components to be easily added, removed, or replaced throughout the system’s lifecycle. This approach enhances competition, innovation, and flexibility, enabling the DoD to rapidly integrate new technologies and respond to evolving threats

By complying with these rigorous requirements and showing our competence, dolphitech ensures that our technology not only meets but can also exceed industry expectations, reinforcing our commitment to safety and reliability in the defense sector.

Enhancing Defence Applications with Matrix Array Ultrasonic Testing

In the defence sector, where precision and safety are paramount, the integrity of every component is critical. Matrix Array Ultrasonic testing (MAUT) is a vital non-destructive testing (NDT) method, ensuring the reliability and safety of defence equipment and structures throughout their lifecycle.

The Role of MAUT in Defence

Matrix Array Ultrasonic Testing (MAUT) uses high-frequency sound waves via a row – column array to identify and detect internal flaws or characterize materials. This technique is particularly effective for inspecting composite materials, metals, and bonded structures commonly used in defence manufacturing. Byusing the live imaging and 3D render, unique to the dolphicam2, and analyzing the results, inspectors can identify defects such as disbonds, voids, and delaminations that are not visible to the naked eye.

Safety First: Why MAUT is Crucial

Early Detection of Flaws: Ultrasonic testing allows for the early detection of internal defects that could compromise the structural integrity of defence components. Identifying these issues before they lead to failure is essential for maintaining safety standards.
Non-Destructive Testing: Unlike other testing methods that may damage the component being tested, MAUT preserves the material’s integrity. This is crucial in defence, where components are often expensive and complex to replace.
Precision and Reliability: MAUT provides highly accurate and reliable data, enabling manufacturers to make informed decisions about the usability of components. This precision helps in maintaining the high safety standards required in the defence industry.

Applications in Defence Manufacturing

Composite Material Inspection: Modern defence equipment relies heavily on composite materials for their strength and lightweight properties. MAUT is indispensable for inspecting these materials, ensuring they meet stringent safety and performance criteria.
Bond Integrity Testing: In defence manufacturing, ensuring the integrity of bonded joints is critical. UT helps in verifying that these bonds are free from defects, which is vital for the overall safety of the equipment.
Maintenance and Overhaul: MAUT is not only used during manufacturing but also plays a key role in the maintenance and overhaul of defence equipment. Regular inspections using MAUT help in identifying wear and tear, preventing potential failures.

Conclusion

MAUT is a cornerstone of safety in defence manufacturing. Its ability to detect internal flaws without damaging components ensures that every part of defence equipment meets the highest safety standards. As defence technology continues to advance, the role of MAUT in maintaining the integrity and safety of defence structures will only become more critical.

By integrating MAUT into their quality assurance processes, defence manufacturers can continue to build safer, more reliable equipment, ensuring the safety of personnel and the effectiveness of defence operations.

The Role of Composites in Defence

In the ever-evolving defence sector, the use of composite materials has become increasingly prevalent. These advanced materials are transforming the way defence equipment is designed and manufactured, offering numerous benefits that enhance performance, efficiency, and safety.

What Are Composites?

Composite materials are engineered by combining two or more constituent materials with different physical or chemical properties. The result is a material that exhibits superior characteristics compared to its individual components. In defence, the most common composites are carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) and glass-fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP), which consist of strong, stiff fibers embedded in a tough resin matrix.

Advantages of Composites in Defence

Lightweight: Composites are significantly lighter than traditional materials like metals. This weight reduction is crucial in defence engineering as it improves mobility and reduces fuel consumption.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Despite their light weight, composites offer exceptional strength and stiffness, making them ideal for critical structural components.
Corrosion Resistance: Unlike metals, composites do not corrode, which enhances the longevity and durability of defence components.
Design Flexibility: Composites can be molded into complex shapes, reducing the number of parts and fasteners needed. This not only simplifies assembly but also minimizes potential weak points.

Applications in Defence

Primary Structures: Modern defence equipment, such as advanced military aircraft and naval vessels, use composites extensively in their primary structures, including fuselages and hulls. These platforms benefit from the weight savings and enhanced performance that composites provide.
Secondary Structures: Composites are also used in secondary structures like control surfaces, fairings, and interior components, contributing to overall weight savings and performance improvements.
Protective Gear: Composites are used in the manufacture of body armor and helmets, providing high levels of protection while remaining lightweight and comfortable for personnel.

Future of Composites in Defence

The defence industry continues to innovate with composites, exploring new materials and manufacturing techniques to further enhance performance and sustainability. Research is ongoing into thermoplastic composites, which offer the potential for faster production times and easier recycling.

Conclusion

Composites are revolutionizing the defence industry by providing materials that are lighter, stronger, and more durable than traditional options. As technology advances, the role of composites in defence will only grow, driving further improvements in equipment performance and efficiency.

By integrating composite materials into their designs, defence manufacturers can continue to develop more advanced, reliable, and effective equipment, ensuring the safety and success of defence operations.

World-Renowned Support Service from dolphitech

At dolphitech, we pride ourselves on offering a world-renowned support service to our customers. Our technicians are strategically placed across America, Europe, and Asia to ensure we are always available to assist you. Once you become the proud owner of a dolphicam2, you gain access to several support options designed to keep your equipment running smoothly.

Online Customer Service Portal

We encourage all our customers to register their details and equipment on our online customer service portal. This portal provides direct access to raise tickets, view FAQs, and ensure your queries are directed to the right person at dolphitech.

In-Field Support

Our engineers are based in different time zones, allowing us to provide in-person assistance with minimal delay. We encourage you to get to know your regional support engineer, who can offer valuable insights and guidance on both application and equipment.

Remote Support

For immediate support needs, the dolphicam2 comes with remote access capabilities (Non-Military Spec models). Our engineers can remotely connect to your instrument to assist with equipment queries or application questions. This feature helps overcome language barriers and provides a first-hand experience of the live inspection.

Service Packages

dolphitech offers a range of service packages to ensure your equipment is always ready. Whether you need service, repair, or loan equipment, our packages guarantee that you will never be without your dolphicam2.

Remote Calibration

With the dolphicam2, you never have to send your equipment away for calibration. It features an easy-to-follow onboard self-calibration process. Simply raise a ticket through the customer support page, and we will guide you through the rest. Our remote calibration eliminates expensive logistics and downtime. If your dolphicam2 does need to be returned, our service packages ensure you always have access to functional equipment.

Creating a Comprehensive 360° Inspection Package with dolphicam2, dolphiDepth, and dolphiSnip

In the field of non-destructive testing (NDT), having a comprehensive and reliable inspection package is crucial for ensuring the integrity and safety of materials and structures. The combination of the dolphicam2, dolphiDepth, and dolphiSnip offers a powerful solution for achieving a full 360° inspection package.

The Power of dolphicam2

As a state-of-the-art ultrasonic test equipment, dolphicam2 is designed for ease of use and high-resolution imaging. It provides real-time, live C-Scan technology, allowing users to visualize the internal structure of components with unparalleled clarity. The system is ready to use in under 60 seconds, making it highly efficient for both quick surveys and detailed analyses.

Enhancing thickness measurements with dolphiDepth

dolphidepth is the software that complements the dolphicam2, offering robust data management and analysis capabilities. It allows users to store, retrieve, and analyze inspection data seperate from the dolphicam2. With dolphiDepth, you can generate detailed average thickness reports from all or part of your data files. Need to re-measure or go back over old data? Dolphidepth is backwards compatible to older software versions. dolphiDepth is specifically designed and has been specified by a major aircraft manufacturer. As per the requirements from industry, data is fixed in a “as-scanned” condition. Which means that once the data has been acquired, there can be no changes to gate positions or velocity etc. Meaning that the data will always be representative of the point at which it was acquired.

Precision file management with dolphiSnip

dolphisnip is the reporting tool that completes the inspection package. It enables users to manage large data files with ease, seperate from the dolphicam2. dolphiSnip allows for an area, of the operators choosing, to be extracted from the original file. Maintaning all original data and creating a seperate, more manageable file size without compromising on data quality. dolphiSnip comes with some high level analysis tools to assist the operator in zeroing in on the areas of concern and therefore only needing to manage the data of a specific key areas. This tool is essential for maintaining fast communication and documentation standards, which are critical in the aerospace industry.

The Full 360° Inspection Package

By integrating the dolphicam2 with dolphidata and dolphisnip, you create a comprehensive 360° inspection package that covers all aspects of the inspection process:

Real-Time Imaging: The dolphicam2 provides live, high-resolution images of the internal structure of materials.
Thickness Measurements: dolphiDepth ensures that all inspection data is securely maintained and extracting average thicknesses are done so easily in a readily available format.
Detailed file management: dolphisnip allows for the creation of extracted data files, this not only allows for inspection analysis to be managed quicker, but also reduced the size of data transfers.
This integrated approach ensures that inspections are thorough, data is well-managed, and reports are precise and professional. The combination of these tools enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of the inspection process, making it an invaluable asset in the aerospace industry and beyond.