Improved Sizing of Defects Using Ultrasonic Phased Arrays

Olympus NDT is a world-leading manufacturer of innovative, nondestructive testing instruments that are used in industrial and research applications ranging from aerospace, energy and automotive to consumer products. The primary focus of this internship research is to sharpen images of cracks and imperfections that have developed in oil pipelines to within + 0.5mm using an ultrasonic phased array. Ultrasonic phased arrays are a relatively new technology for industrial testing and currently can size defects and cracks to within + 2mm. Olympus NDT has recently starting producing a portable phased array system known as OMNIScan. Using this system, the intern will take readings and collect data from specimens with known defects. He will then use the data to help create a mathematical model of the system. This model will be refined to a point where it can interpret signals to a higher degree of accuracy. The model will then be integrated in the OMNIScan system software. An imaging system will be developed from enhanced signals to produce a high-resolution picture of each defect.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. A.N. Sinclair

Student:

Luke Wesley

Partner:

Olympus NDT

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Aerospace and defense

University:

University of Toronto