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DOWTY PROPELLERS STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL

NDT 150/U
ULTRASONIC INSPECTION OF PROPELLER HUB HALVES.

1. Scope.

A. This technique is designed for the detection of fatigue cracks in the large top thrust race seating
radius. Refer to figure 1.

B. It will be necessary to change the pitch position of the blade through approximately 90 degrees
during inspection due to the counter-weight/de-icer connector masking the scan area. Refer to
figure 2.

2. Equipment Required.

A. An ultrasonic flaw detection equipment operating in 4 to 6 MHz range.

B. A longitudinal probe, crystal diameter 10 mm (0.4 in) with a nominal frequency of 4 to 6 MHz.

C. An ultrasonic 1,2 mm (0.047 in) flat bottom hole reference block, metal path distance 25,4 mm
(1.0 in). Refer to figure 3.

D. A suitable couplant of either oil or grease.

3. Procedure.

A. With the probe positioned on the reference block as illustrated in figure 3, obtain a signal from the
flat bottom hole. Maximise the signal by probe movement and set at 7 on the time base – adjust the
amplitude to 80% screen height. Rejects must not be used.

B. Transfer the probe to the hub, a signal will appear at 7 on the time base. Inspect the scan area as
shown in figure 2 in a circumferential direction around the blade root. The blade should be rotated
through approximately 90 degrees to facilitate full coverage of the scan area.

NOTE: Inspection scan areas to end 25,4 mm (1.0 in) from either side of hub split line.

4. Inspection Standard.

A. Defect indications due to cracking originating in the thrust race seating radius will occur after 7 on
the time base.

B. All indications are to be further investigated. This will necessitate stripping the hub and carrying out
visual examination for score marks. If no score marks evident, further investigate using eddy current
or dye penetrant inspection. Any indication is cause for rejection.

NDT 150/U

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DOWTY PROPELLERS STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL

Detection Of Fatigue Cracks

FIGURE 1

NDT 150/U

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Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restrictions on the cover or first page.
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Part of GE’s Aviation Business

DOWTY PROPELLERS STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL

Scan Areas On Propeller Hub Valves

FIGURE 2

NDT 150/U

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Use or disclosure of data contained on this sheet is subject to the restrictions on the cover or first page.
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Part of GE’s Aviation Business

DOWTY PROPELLERS STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL

Reference Block
Figure 3

NDT 150/U

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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.