Aluminum alloys are used extensively in aircraft due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. A main drawback is that their microstructure is sensitive to corrosion, which generates pits for example. Although corrosion damage can be detected by non-destructive testing methods, such methods are limited in their ability to identify corrosion initiation and the mechanism behind the defect. As a result, corrective actions are only undertaken when corrosion becomes evident (cracks or loss of thickness). The EU-funded U-CROSS project is working on an ultrasonic sensor that combines both active and passive elements for early detection of localised corrosion and for monitoring corrosion propagation over time. The new sensor will greatly aid the aircraft industry in preventing critical damage to aircraft components.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 864905.