The effect of variation in phased array element performance for Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)

Duxbury, David; Russell, Jonathan; Lowe, M. J. S.

doi:10.1016/j.ultras.2012.07.008

Cited by 9 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…For the theoretical background of the full hybrid approach in two and three dimensions, the reader is referred to [9] and [10], respectively. To simulate the source domain, we choose to employ a semi-analytical beam model based on the Huygens-Fresnel principle of superposition; previous validation studies have shown it to produce accurate results when modelling a wedge-mounted transduction system [14], which is required here to simulate a shear wave at oblique incidence. The complex displacement amplitude, , at a point, , within the component is given by the equation:…”

Section: Hybrid Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulating the ultrasonic scattering from complex surface-breaking defects with a three-dimensional hybrid model

Phillips

Duxbury

Huthwaite

et al. 2018

NDT & E International

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Modelling is increasingly relied upon for the design and qualification of ultrasonic inspections applied to safety-critical components. Numerical methods enable the simulation of the ultrasonic interaction with realistic defect morphologies; however, the computational requirements often limit their deployment. The hybrid simulation technique, which combines semi-analytical and numerical methods, realises the potential of high fidelity numerical modelling without the limiting computational factors. The inspection of thick section components for near-backwall surface-breaking defects results in large propagation distances across, making them a key application of hybrid modelling. This work presents a methodology for efficiently simulating the ultrasonic inspection of complex surface-breaking defects using a hybrid model. The model is initially verified against full numerical simulation; further validation is presented by comparison to an experimental scan over an artificially machined surface-breaking notch. The potential of the new hybrid method is then demonstrated by carrying out a Monte Carlo analysis on the scattered field from surfacebreaking defects with randomly rough surfaces and the results are compared to the Kirchhoff approximation.

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Section: Hybrid Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulating the ultrasonic scattering from complex surface-breaking defects with a three-dimensional hybrid model

Phillips

Duxbury

Huthwaite

et al. 2018

NDT & E International

Self Cite

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“…In NDT, ultrasonic hardware calibration typically pertains to the efficacy of the array to steer and focus the ultrasonic beam [6], [3]. Therefore, in this context, under-performing hardware exhibit beam artefacts such as increased side-lobe activity, increased main-beam width or reduction in the main-beam energy level [6]. These beam artefacts lead to spurious signals being detected, increasing the uncertainty in the localisation of reflectors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These beam artefacts lead to spurious signals being detected, increasing the uncertainty in the localisation of reflectors. As a result, calibration of ultrasonic hardware has typically focused on beam integrity rather than probe integrity [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calibration of ultrasonic hardware for enhanced total focusing method imaging

Ingram¹,

Gachagan²,

Nordon³

et al. 2020

insight

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Experimental variation from ultrasonic hardware is one source of uncertainty in measured ultrasonic data. This uncertainty leads to a reduction in the accuracy of images generated from these data. In this paper, a quick, easy-to-use and robust methodology is proposed to reduce this uncertainty in images generated using the total focusing method (TFM). Using a 128-element linear phased array, multiple full matrix capture (FMC) datasets of a planar reflection are used to characterise the experimental variation associated with each element index in the aperture. Following this, a methodology to decouple the time-domain error associated with transmission and reception at each element index is presented. These time-domain errors are then introduced into a simulated array model used to generate the two-way pressure profile from the array. The side-lobe-to-main-lobe energy ratio (SMER) and beam offset are used to quantify the impact of these measured time-domain errors on the pressure profile. This analysis shows that the SMER is raised by more than 6 dB and the beam is offset by more than 1 mm from its programmed focal position. This calibration methodology is then demonstrated using a steel non-destructive testing (NDT) sample with three side-drilled holes (SDHs). The time delay errors from transmission and reception are introduced into the time-of-flight (TOF) calculation for each ray path in the TFM. This results in an enhancement in the accuracy of defect localisation in the TFM image.

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“…Using the FMC data to perform the calibration enables the results to be based purely on the integrity of the hardware, because it decouples error associated with the hardware from that in the beam forming delays [3]. Previously, array calibration has assessed purely the consistency of element performance in terms of the variation between elements [3].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Previously, array calibration has assessed purely the consistency of element performance in terms of the variation between elements [3]. In this paper, the spread in element performance due to positional error has also been investigated by acquiring multiple FMC replicates of the sample under identical experimental conditions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calibration of ultrasonic phased arrays for industrial applications

et al. 2017

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Abstract-This paper investigates the consistency in phased array element performance by extracting information from the Full Matrix Capture (FMC) of a reflection from a planar interface. The purpose of this work is to generate a robust methodology for tracking phased array performance over time, therefore, ensuring the reliability of measured data. To achieve this, a calibration method has been developed that quantifies the pulse length, sensitivity, bandwidth and phase error for each element in the array. This paper will highlight the variation across individual array elements and the experimental variation across FMC replicates. Finally, to illustrate the impact of the element performance variation, the phase error is included within the Total Focussing Method imaging algorithm, resulting in an 8% increase in ultrasonic image resolution.

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The effect of variation in phased array element performance for Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE)

Cited by 9 publications

References 22 publications

Simulating the ultrasonic scattering from complex surface-breaking defects with a three-dimensional hybrid model

Simulating the ultrasonic scattering from complex surface-breaking defects with a three-dimensional hybrid model

Calibration of ultrasonic hardware for enhanced total focusing method imaging

Calibration of ultrasonic phased arrays for industrial applications

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