Advanced post-processing for scanned ultrasonic arrays: application to defect detection and classification in...

Area of Science:

• Non-destructive evaluation (NDE)
• Ultrasonic testing
• Signal processing

Background:

• Conventional ultrasonic array techniques have limitations in defect characterization.
• Capturing full matrix transmit-receive data offers potential for improved imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe array post-processing methods for NDE scanning applications.
• To extend existing imaging algorithms for scanned array data.
• To enhance defect characterization performance in solids.

Main Methods:

• Capture and process the full matrix of time-domain signals from ultrasonic arrays.
• Apply post-processing algorithms to data from scanned arrays.
• Investigate practical implementation issues like scanning speed and data transfer.

Main Results:

• Post-processing enables multiple imaging modalities not feasible with conventional methods.
• Extended algorithms applied to scanned array data improve effective aperture and probing angles.
• Enhanced imaging and defect characterization performance are achieved.

Conclusions:

• Array post-processing of full matrix data significantly improves NDE capabilities.
• Scanned array applications with these methods offer superior defect characterization.
• The approach is practical for implementation in NDE scanning.