Principal investigator: Professor Bruce Drinkwater

Funder's reference: EPSRC through RCNDE (EP/L022125/1)

Summary

This project belong to one of the strategic targeted research areas funded in RCNDE3, Imaging which is led by Bristol. For more information on RCNDE3 Core research please click here.

The research aims to develop array-based ultrasonic inspection techniques for difficult applications – including difficult defect morphologies, materials or inspection geometries. Outputs include:

• Development of generic modelling tools for simulating array data from arbitrarily shaped defects.
• Development of 3 new defect sizing strategies for different defect size regimes.
• Experimental demonstration of sizing and imaging techniques on real defects and components.
• Quantification of the effect of crack roughness on detectability, and optimisation of array imaging in materials with strong material back-scatter.
• Delivery of a freely available, comprehensive software platform to enable users to investigate and optimise imaging algorithms and facilitate technology transfer.