ABSTRACT
Experimental research is underway, focusing on the effect of surface roughness on defect detection using ultrasonic inspection. This research will experimentally examine the effectiveness of ultrasonic testing on electron beam melting additively manufactured samples made from Ti-6Al-4V. Additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, is quickly gaining popularity and increasing capability throughout multiple industries. Nondestructive inspection techniques of additively manufactured products have begun on multiple fronts. A nondestructive inspection technique for additively manufactured parts is necessary before such parts are utilized as production end items for use in aircraft battle damage repair applications such as the rapid, on demand, and 3D printing of aircraft replacement parts. The potential use of AM in the aviation industry includes the manufacture of low use and/or obsolete parts. The capability also exists to create items with complex geometries and to fill logistics shortfalls with a reduced customer wait.
