ABC

Part of GE’s Aviation Business

return to TOC
DOWTY PROPELLERS STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL

NDT 24/M
EXAMINATION OF PROPELLER OPERATING PINS FOR CRACKING IN THE PIN/FLANGE RADIUS

1. Introduction.

A. The discovery of fatigue cracks in certain Propeller Operating Pins has made it necessary to carry
out special examination of these parts. Cracking is known to occur in the radius at the pin/flange
junction and a method of examination has been devised to inspect these areas using a magnetic
particle technique.

2. Equipment and Materials Required.

A. An 8 turn coil (Refer to figure 1) designed by Dowty Propellers for this application.

B. A magnetic particle power unit giving a DC power supply capable of reliable repeatable operation at
either 500 amps rms or 800 amps peak. The type of ammeter fitted, i.e. either peak or root mean
square reading, must be known from the machine supplier.

C. A supply of approved fluorescent magnetic ink. The solids content and performance of the ink must
be regularly checked.

D. Ultra violet light source and suitable darkened viewing area.

E. A supply of kerosene for washing.

F. An approved demagnetising equipment.

3. Procedure.

A. Disassemble the Pin, clean thoroughly and degrease.

B. Demagnetise.

C. Magnetise the Pin by placing in the coil. (Refer to figure 2). Pass a current of 500 amps rms or 800
amps peak for ¾ to 1 second through the coil. Do not apply ink at this stage. The positioning of the
Pin in the coil is important. The Pin must be fully inserted into the coil in the longitudinal direction,
and not moved while the current is flowing.

D. Apply fluorescent ink. Application of the ink is best carried out either by gently swilling the Pin in a
bath of ink, or by flowing the ink over in a gentle stream. The ink should be applied for at least 30
seconds.

E. Gently swill the Pin in a bath of kerosene for about 30 seconds. Stand to drain for at least 2 minutes
on a clean surface in the attitude shown in figure 3. This operation is intended to remove ‘carry off’
of magnetic particles from the detector fluid, and the drain period is intended to allow the excess
fluid to run off.

F. Inspect the flange/pin intersection for crack indications. (Typical indications are shown in figure 4).
Crack indications will appear as sharply defined brilliant lines running along the radius. Non-
relevant, hazy indications may be produced by tool marks in the radius.
NDT 24/M

60-00-00 Page 1
May 31/08
GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LTD PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restrictions on the cover or first page.
 ABC
Part of GE’s Aviation Business

DOWTY PROPELLERS STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL

G. If any surface removal re-work is attempted for sentence purposes, a final polish must be carried out
using a small wheel to produce finishing marks across the radius. Removing material along the
radius may produce spurious indications from score marks. (Refer to figure 5).

H. This technique is similar in procedure to that advised for the examination of Propeller Hub threads
for fatigue cracks described in NDT technique 21/M.

I. It is important that the equipment and materials used shall be regularly controlled by checks similar
to those given in Non Destructive Test Instruction 2. These checks control the equipment, fluid and
lighting to be used. The Inspector should also be properly instructed in control and test procedures.

J. The use of a low magnification hand lens, 3x, is advised, but it is not considered advantageous to
employ higher magnifications with fluorescent magnetic particle methods.

Coil
FIGURE 1

NDT 24/M

60-00-00 Page 2
May 31/08
GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LTD PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restrictions on the cover or first page.
 ABC
Part of GE’s Aviation Business

DOWTY PROPELLERS STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL

Pin In Test Position

Figure 2

Drain Position
FIGURE 3

NDT 24/M

60-00-00 Page 3
May 31/08
GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LTD PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restrictions on the cover or first page.
 ABC
Part of GE’s Aviation Business

DOWTY PROPELLERS STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL

Cracking
Figure 4

Re-Work
Figure 5

NDT 24/M

60-00-00 Page 4
May 31/08
GE AVIATION SYSTEMS LTD PROPRIETARY INFORMATION
Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restrictions on the cover or first page.