The Robotic Blisk Inspection System utilizes a custom turntable, an ABB robotic arm with custom end of arm tooling (EOAT), and a computer vision algorithm to autonomously determine if the blade root fillets are within tolerance. Currently, GE Aviation in Hooksett, NH uses manual techniques to inspect the bladed disks (blisks) that they produce. Their techniques require consumables and are more costly than a robotic inspection. Positional feedback through force and contact sensing allows the system to navigate the closely spaced blades with the compact EOAT. Compliance in one axis ensures the EOAT is properly seated within the fillet. A computer vision algorithm developed with OpenCV tracks the fillet position to confirm proper radius dimensions.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Happell, Breanne Shirley
• Sinkler, Charles

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042617-180527

Advisor

• Gennert, Michael A.
• Putnam, Craig B.
• Stafford, Kenneth A.

Year

• 2017

Sponsor

• GE Aviation

Date created

• 2017-04-26

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Interdisciplinary

Rights statement

• In Copyright