PCRT Technology
Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) is a novel non-destructive testing (NDT) technology initially developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The technology was licensed out of the labs, and developed into a tool that is revolutionizing NDT in the Automotive manufacturing sector.
PCRT is the ONLY NDT that correlates to component strength
PCRT is the only NDT technology that correlates to the structural integrity of the inspected component.
While other technologies look for "indications" that are associated with defects that might affect the structural integrity of the component, PCRT actually measures the variations in resonance signatures that are a result of variations in structural integrity. Many kinds of variations can affect the structural integrity of a component.
PCRT's proprietary software "learns" the acceptable manufacturing variations as well as the unacceptable variations caused by material problems, process problems, and in-process damage.
In addition to PCRT's value in NDT of new production components, it has the truly unique ability to compare a component's current resonance signature to its past signatures. These comparisons of successive inspections have the demonstrated ability to monitor changes in structural integrity of a given component over time, and to detect both damage and the onset of fatigue before cracking has begun.
The physics behind PCRT stems from the simplified equation for resonance:-
fr = Resonant Frequency
k = Stiffness (Young's Modulus)
m = Mass (Density and Dimensions)
Although the basic principle is simple, the science and engineering behind PCRT is very complex. Several documents are made available for download here that will help the reader understand the fundamentals of how PCRT is able to powerfully and quickly differentiate structurally acceptable parts from structurally unacceptable parts, and monitor a single part throughout its life.
Principles of Operation - Offers a minimal technical investigation of the PCRT process.
Vibrant Technical Review - A PowerPoint presentation that discusses some of the fundamentals of PCRT, and walks through several application examples.
PCRT for Aerospace White Paper - Provides some background about PCRT technology and discusses several aerospace specific projects.
The Power of PCRT - Article in NDT Magazine2008 ATA NDT Forum-PCRT of CF6-80A.pdf - Delta Airlines presents PCRT results for the CF6-80A Turbine Blade at the 2008 ATA Forum. Results submitted for "Better Way" award.
2008 ATA_NDT_Forum-PCRT of_JT8D-219_Blades.pdf - Another presentation from Delta for the JT8-D 1st Stage Turbine Blade at the 2008 ATA Forum.
If you can't find what you're looking for in these documents, feel free to contact our technical sales staff. We are always interested in answering your questions and evaluating your specific needs.