Optimization of image synthesis for complex geometry objects in the robotic ultrasonic system
This paper is devoted to the optimization of image synthesis for complex shape objects in the robotic system of ultrasonic testing. The basis of this process is a preliminary analysis of the object with complex geometry to ensure reproducibility and accuracy of the tests in the specified range. It includes such stages as digital model creation, geometric surface analysis, creating of control points and vectors, searching for optimal model location, model verification on reachability, collisions and singularity.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION OF REAL-TIME 3 D IMAGING BY SAMPLING PHASED ARRAY
The “Sampling Phased Array” technique compared with the conventional phased array approach became very popular in the last years making use of the propagation of elementary waves (Huygens principle) generated by individual elements of the sensor array to reconstruct the composite phased array signal by high-speed numerical computation for any arbitrary, individual angle or physically possible focus depth. As the near field of each individual transducer in the array is that of a ‘quasi’ point source, transducer-near inspection regions are much better to inspect than in the conventional case where the near field is determined by the full aperture of the transducer array. Furthermore, the special IZFP-approach allows a very fast 3-dimensional visualization of inspection objects by combining slice by slice 2dimensionally calculated SAFT-B-images to a 3-dimensional data-cube with a manifold of possible data projections for evaluation and analysis of the inspection results. 3-D-SAFT algorithms taking into account also a modified transducer design with a wide-angular sound beam characteristic in each space direction are under development.
Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique: State of the art
Ultrasonic inspection is one of the most promising nondestructive testing methods applied during manufacturing, preservice and in-service inspection of components like pipes, vessels or steel plates. Starting from manual inspection the research and development during the last years lead to modern remote controlled and µ-processor controlled equipments with a wide variety of implemented signal processing algorithms. This article is concentrated upon the discussion of one of these signal processing algo-rithms, the so-called “Synthetic Aperture Focussing Technique = SAFI”. The reason why more and more institutions enter this technique is the capability to get the highest information content on position, inclination, size and shape of single or of multiple scatterers like inclusions, voids or cracks in real industrial components.