BIKiNNOV presents research on non-destructive testing at AuxDefense 2026

BIKiNNOV attended AuxDefense 2026, an international scientific conference dedicated to technological advances in the fields of advanced materials, multifunctional structures, non-destructive testing, manufacturing processes, aeronautical engineering, and defense technologies. The event took place from 1 to 3 July in Funchal, Madeira, bringing together researchers, universities, technology centers, companies, and public entities from several countries.

Representing BIKiNNOV, Diogo Rodrigues, Project Technician, and Fábio Vidal, Services Coordinator, presented the scientific paper Complementary Inspection Techniques: Ultrasonic Testing, Optical Techniques, and Computed Tomography, developed in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP), INEGI, the Porto School of Engineering (ISEP), and the Portuguese Air Force.

The research included a comparative evaluation of different non-destructive testing techniques applied to a tail rotor blade from a Portuguese Air Force EH-101 Merlin helicopter, demonstrating the complementary nature of ultrasonic testing, active thermography, digital shearography, and industrial computed tomography in the detection and characterization of internal damage in composite components.

Participation in the conference also provided an opportunity to showcase BIKiNNOV’s technical and scientific capabilities in advanced materials characterization and structural validation, strengthening its international visibility as a Technology and Innovation Center.

Over the three days of the event, BIKiNNOV representatives attended various technical sessions dedicated to advanced materials, additive manufacturing, structural health monitoring, numerical simulation, and artificial intelligence applied to engineering, carrying out technology scouting activities and identifying research, development, and service provision areas for the Center.

Participation also strengthened BIKiNNOV’s international network, creating opportunities for future collaborations with researchers, universities, technology centers, and leading organizations in the fields of advanced materials and inspection technologies.

The mission is part of action line 2 – 005ANI Materials Watch, under Interface Mission – Base Funding for Technology and Innovation Centers, within the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), and funded by the European NextGenerationEU funds.