Ultrasonic Array Inspection Optimisation for Non-Destructive Evaluation

近年来，超声波阵列在工业上的应用急剧增加，在未来十年内，NDE阵列检测似乎有可能完全取代目前的行业标准单点测量。目前的无损检测阵列方法主要基于快速波束形成设备的组合，最初为医疗超声开发，并遵循最初为单元素探头开发的方法的检查策略。虽然以这种方式使用阵列无疑在某些情况下提供了良好的成像，但它与最佳效果的接近程度远不明显。该项目解决了无损检测核心的基本问题：如何首先量化，然后优化检测性能。量化性能的参数选择至关重要，取决于检查的目的（例如缺陷检测或尺寸确定），并将通过工业合作伙伴的输入进行通知。将开发一个建模框架，使阵列检查的设计，以优化选定的参数（如检测概率，尺寸精度）。这种优化框架将基于快速向前模型，对影响阵列检查配置选择最强烈的因素的充分理解和严格的统计方法。后一个方面特别重要，因为在所有NDE检查中都存在一定程度的不确定性：这可以从未知的缺陷方向到未知的速度分布。这种建模框架不仅可以优化复杂零件的检测，而且对相关参数空间的探索将为当前的最佳实践提供信息，并有助于选择二次检测等任务。这些发展将使阵列的性能发生阶跃变化，从而提高检测可靠性，使结构更安全，并最终降低设计保守性。 该项目是英国无损检测研究中心（RCNDE）的一部分，EPSRC专门为工业驱动的研究提供资金。该项目还得到了罗尔斯·罗伊斯、塞拉菲尔德、BAE系统公司、SERCO和EDF的财政支持。

Ultrasonic arrays have seen a dramatic increase in industrial up-take over recent years to the point where it seems possible that NDE array inspections will completely replace the present industry-standard single point measurements over the course of the next decade. The current NDE array approach is based heavily on a combination of rapid beamforming equipment, developed originally for medical ultrasound, and inspection strategies that follow approaches developed originally for single element probes. Whilst using an array in this way undoubtedly delivers good imaging in some circumstances, it is far from obvious how close to optimal it is. This project addresses the fundamental questions at the heart of NDE: how first to quantify and then optimise the performance of an inspection. The selection of parameters to quantify performance is critical and depends on the purpose of the inspection (e.g. defect detection or sizing) and will be informed by input from the industrial partners. A modelling framework will be developed that allows array inspections to be designed to optimise the chosen parameter (e.g. probability of detection, sizing accuracy). This optimisation framework will be based on rapid forward models, a sound understanding of the factors that most strongly influence the choice of array inspection configuration and a rigorous statistical methodology. This latter aspect is particularly important as some level of uncertainty is inherent in all NDE inspection: this can range from unknown defect orientation through to unknown velocity distributions. This modelling framework will not only allow for inspections of complex parts to be optimised, but the exploration of the relevant parameter space will inform current best practice and help in tasks such as choice of secondary inspection. Together these developments will produce a step change in the performance of arrays leading to improved inspection reliability, safer structures and ultimately reduced design conservatism. The project is part of the UK Research Centre in NDE (RCNDE), the funding for which is earmarked by EPSRC for industrially driven research. The project is also supported financially by Rolls-Royce, Sellafield, BAE Systems, SERCO and EDF.