A team led by Vibrant Corporation has been awarded a contract by the Advanced Manufacturing Propulsion Initiative (AMPI) at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. The $1.25 million project will apply Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) to the non-destructive evaluation of ceramic bearing components. Vibrant’s team includes some of the leading bearing and gas turbine engine manufacturers in the aerospace industry. Eric Biedermann, Vibrant’s principal investigator for the program, said, “We’re thrilled to be leading such an exceptional team on a challenging problem like this one. PCRT offers a dramatic improvement in capability over legacy inspection methods. PCRT’s accuracy and efficiency will allow ceramic bearings to become widespread in aerospace propulsion, with significant benefits for defense and commercial aircraft.”
About Vibrant
Vibrant is a spin-off of Mechtronic Solutions, Inc. that has commercialized Process Compensated Resonance Testing (PCRT) for use in the aerospace and power generation industries. The PCRT technology, licensed from Magnaflux Quasar, is a revolutionary non-destructive testing technology that can determine if a component is structurally sound and fit for service. Vibrant has developed PCRT applications focused on the safety critical components found in the aerospace industry. These applications bring the power of PCRT to bear on new product quality control and in-service product degradation tracking. Vibrant is now performing testing services for several major aerospace manufacturers and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) firms.