Vacuum leakage location based on cross-correlation wavenumber domain imaging method with a 64-element ultrasonic...

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Acoustics
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Vacuum leakage poses significant risks to aircraft integrity and safety.
• Early detection of vacuum leaks is crucial for preventing potential failures.
• Existing methods for leak detection may lack precision or efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel method for accurately locating vacuum leakage sources in aircraft structures.
• To enhance the detection capabilities for continuous leakage signals in planar structures.
• To provide a practical solution for real-time vacuum leak monitoring in aerospace applications.

Main Methods:

• A cross-correlation wavenumber domain imaging method was proposed, utilizing array sensor data.
• Elastic wave signals were captured in the time-space domain and transformed into the frequency-wavenumber domain via 3D Fourier Transform.
• Cross-correlation operations and a polling scan method were implemented to improve algorithmic feasibility.

Main Results:

• The direction of the maximum wavenumber vector accurately indicated the leakage source direction.
• A 64-element ultrasonic sensor was fabricated and used for experimental verification.
• The method successfully identified continuous leakage signals in planar structures and was effective for various aperture sizes.

Conclusions:

• The proposed cross-correlation wavenumber domain imaging method offers a viable solution for vacuum leak detection.
• The technique demonstrates applicability to different leak sizes and planar structures.
• This method holds potential for integration into orbiting spacecraft and aircraft for enhanced safety and monitoring.