This computer-aided automated ultrasonic inspection and data collection system is designed for inspection of submarine pressure-hull parent plate and weldments. At present, field inspectors carry out unassisted inspections in which each indication is treated as an equivalent type of defect. Accordingly, the condemnation limit is based on the most serious defect type. A permanent record of inspections and the ability to identify defects according to type are the first priorities in overhauling the outdated submarine condemnation criteria. With reliable inspection and an interpretation of the significance of real defect type, comprehensive new criteria can be generated which will eliminate wasteful defect removal. As a consequence, submarine refit schedules should be shortened considerably.

https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1591&context=qnde

Computer-aided ultrasonic inspection of submarine pressure hulls

Ultrasonic flaw sizing based on signal analysis and classification techniques was applied to linear welding flaws of sizes ranging from 1mm to 3mm generated under controlled laboratory conditions. Over 400 ultrasonic signals were captured digitally at various positions along these linear flaws and analyzed by an advanced pattern recognition package with regard to flaw sizes. Very encouraging results were observed and in some cases 100% correct flaw sizing performance has been achieved.

https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2843&context=qnde

Ultrasonic Welding Defect Sizing by Advanced Pattern Recognition Techniques

An automated ultrasonic inspection and data collection system is being designed to introduce ultrasonic waveforms to a graphic computing facility during manual ultrasonic inspection. Transducer location will be determined using sonic and acoustic emission techniques. Waveforms are digitized at 8 bit 50 MHz sampling rate. The system will provide for defect mapping, standard ultrasonic analysis and pattern recognition of defect type. Implementation of a defect classifier on the system is outlined.

J.R. Matthews

Papers

Automated ultrasonic inspection and data collection system