The Boeing Company
Methods and systems for identifying an internal flaw in a part produced using additive manufacturing

Abstract:

An example method for identifying an internal flaw in a part produced using additive manufacturing includes calculating a proof load of a part, in which the proof load is a load that when applied to the part will cause the part to fail based on presence of an internal flaw in the part, determining whether the part can withstand the proof load based on a geometry of the part and static strength data, and based on a determination that the part can withstand the proof load, applying the proof load to the part during a compliance test of the part. The proof load causes the part to fracture, when applied to the part, based on presence of the internal flaw in the part that is of a threshold size at which the internal flaw would cause cracking and potential part failure when the part is placed under the operational load.