A mechanic has completed a bonded honeycomb repair using the potted compound repair technique. What nondestructive testing method is used to determine the soundness of the repair after the repair has cured?

A mechanic has completed a bonded honeycomb repair using the potted compound repair technique. What nondestructive testing method is used to determine the soundness of the repair after the repair has cured?

• A. Eddy Current
• B. Metallic Ring Test
• C. Ultrasonic test
• D. Radiographic

Answer: (B)

Delaminations or voids between the face sheet and core are what you’re checking for after a bonded honeycomb repair. The Metallic Ring Test is designed for this situation because it quickly gauges bond integrity in honeycomb panels. By placing a metal ring over the repaired area and lightly tapping, you listen for a consistent, crisp resonance that indicates a solid bond; if there’s poor bonding or a delamination, the sound changes or the ring doesn’t ring uniformly, signaling a defect. This method is fast, requires minimal equipment, and is specifically suited to detecting issues in honeycomb repairs. Other methods exist—for example, eddy current mainly detects surface cracks in metals, ultrasonic testing is more involved and probes for internal flaws with equipment, and radiography can reveal voids but is less practical for quick post-repair checks and requires radiation access.

Delaminations or voids between the face sheet and core are what you’re checking for after a bonded honeycomb repair. The Metallic Ring Test is designed for this situation because it quickly gauges bond integrity in honeycomb panels. By placing a metal ring over the repaired area and lightly tapping, you listen for a consistent, crisp resonance that indicates a solid bond; if there’s poor bonding or a delamination, the sound changes or the ring doesn’t ring uniformly, signaling a defect. This method is fast, requires minimal equipment, and is specifically suited to detecting issues in honeycomb repairs. Other methods exist—for example, eddy current mainly detects surface cracks in metals, ultrasonic testing is more involved and probes for internal flaws with equipment, and radiography can reveal voids but is less practical for quick post-repair checks and requires radiation access.