Spinoff story

Bolt Stress Monitor

A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.

About this technology

Overview

Ultrasonic bolt stress monitor determines whether a bolt is properly tightened. A highly accurate device, monitor is important tool in construction of such structures as pressure vessels, bridges and power plants where precise measurements of stress on a tightened bolt is critical. Overtightened or undertightened bolts can fail and cause serious industrial accidents or costly equipment breakdown.