Full Matrix Capture for Improved Flaw Characterisation

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Back to Core Research Programme AMorph – 4D Printing for Field Morphing Structures Automation of Composite and Hybrid Joining Process Coaxial Wire Additive Manufacturing Processes and In-Line Monitoring Tools Development of Coded Excitation Technique for Non-Metallic Pipes Inspection Development of Digital Twin technology as a demonstrator for real-time integrity assessment of crack growth in tensile specimens Development of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) for Hydrogen Fuel Storage Tanks Development of Leak-Before-Break Hydrogen Storage Composite Pressure Vessels With Polymeric Liner Establishing Assessment Methods for Determining Safe Service Limits of High-Temperature Materials in Extreme Environments Fracture toughness in aggressive environments: effect of crack monitoring techniques on test results In-process detection and non-destructive testing of electron beam weld imperfections Internal Bore Coatings for Applications in Corrosion and Hydrogen Environment Joining of Additively Manufactured Materials Long term behaviour of polymeric liner materials/coatings in hydrogen service Techniques for High Temperature Ultrasonic Inspection of Arc Welding Ultimate Leverage Fund

Project Code: 0901-10

Objectives

Develop the algorithms to implement the FMC concept using the MicroPulse 5PA. Demonstrate the method by detecting and sizing a set of flaws specifically designed to illustrate the benefits of the FMC implementation of an array in comparison to conventional focussed/steered array implementation.

Project Outline

The project will be undertaken in two stages. A mid-term report will be issued at the one year mark outlining the progress of the software toolset development and a final report on completion.

Stage 1: The aim will be to develop through Matlab and its existing toolboxes several key software toolsets: (1) interface to the MicroPulse 5PA array controller for issuing commands and receiving data, (2) develop a strategy to store the very large volume of data collected by the instrument, (3) perform the FMC processing to analyse the data and (4) develop a method to suitably display the data.

Stage 2: Design a test specimen which will contain the types of reflectors that would illustrate the improvement in characterisation that could be achieved using the FMC concept, in comparison to existing array techniques which used focussed/steered sound fields.

Collect experimental data using a linear array operated through fixed delay law curves and using the same linear array probe to implement the post-processed FMC concept. Comment on and evaluate the results when using the FMC concept compared to current best practice approaches.

Relevant Industry Sectors

Power Generation, Oil, Gas and Chemicals, Aerospace, Road Transport, Construction and Engineering

Technical and Economic Benefits

Overall cost savings of around 10M per annum is estimated due to the implementation of the FMC concept.

Industrial Member Report

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Development of ultrasonic full matrix capture technology to improve flaw characterisation