Simulation and data reconstruction for NDT phased array techniques

Phased array techniques are now widely employed for industrial NDT applications in various contexts. Indeed, phased array present a great adaptability to the inspection configuration and the application of suitable delay laws allows to optimize the detection and characterization performances by taking into account the component geometry, the material characteristics, and the aim of the inspection. In addition, the amount of potential information issued from the inspection is in general greatly enhanced. It is the case when the employed method involve sequences of shots (sectorial scanning, multiple depth focusing etc) or when signals received on the different channels are stored. At last, application of electronic commutation make possible higher acquisition rates. Accompanying these advantages, it is clear that an optimal use of such techniques require the application of simulation-based algorithms at the different stages of the inspection process: When designing the probe by optimizing number and characteristics of element; When conceiving the inspection method by selecting suitable sequences of shots, computing optimized delay laws and evaluating the performances of the control in terms of zone coverage or flaw detection capabilities; When analysing the results by applying simulation-helped visualization and data reconstruction algorithms. For many years the CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission) has been being greatly involved in the development of such phased arrays simulation-based tools. In this paper, we will present recent advances of this activity and show different examples of application carried out on complex situations.