Processing of ultrasonic array signals for characterizing defects. Part I: signal synthesis

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Non-Destructive Testing
• Ultrasonic Testing

Background:

• Previous research focused on idealized non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods.
• Real-world application requires more detailed and robust techniques for damage characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel procedure for damage characterization using ultrasonic measurements.
• To develop and test a generalized model-based inversion scheme for integrating measurement data.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an array of ultrasonic transmitters and receivers for data acquisition.
• Employing frequency-domain data measurement and inversion.
• Implementing a deconvolution technique to calibrate data and account for uncertainties.
• Using the boundary element method (BEM) for numerical synthesis of ultrasonic propagation.

Main Results:

• Successful development and testing of the procedure on an aluminum specimen.
• Demonstration of deconvolution for calibrating measurements against damaged and undamaged states.
• Validation of the inversion scheme for predicting defect position and size.

Conclusions:

• The proposed ultrasonic measurement and inversion scheme effectively characterizes material damage.
• The method integrates comprehensive measurement data for improved accuracy.
• This approach offers a pathway for applying advanced NDE techniques under real-world conditions.