Towards semi-automated non-destructive evaluation

A demonstrator has been developed showing feasibility of semi-automatic characterisation of large planar flaws in steel using ultrasonic transducer arrays. The unit is based on a real-time ultrasonic imager deploying National Instruments hardware and software, is connected to an IMASONIC linear phased array containing 128 elements and incorporates a novel flaw characterisation algorithm, which is a model-based variant of Total Focusing Method, taking into account undulations in inspection surface. It has been shown to process RF data collected in immersion reasonably fast and be capable of detecting and characterising with reasonable accuracy large planar defects.