Metrological Certification of a Non-Destructive Inspection System

Abstract

The present application discloses the metrological certification of a non-destructive inspection system. A method for performing metrological certification of a non-destructive inspection (NDI) ultrasonic system includes performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a calibration specimen block by the NDI ultrasonic system. The ultrasonic scanning operation generates a scanning signal. The method further includes superimposing a time-domain authentication mask on the scanning signal and determining whether the scanning signal is within the time-domain authentication mask. The method further includes using a frequency-domain authentication mask to verify the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system. The method further includes authenticating the NDI ultrasonic system in response to the scanning signal being within the time-domain authentication mask for a portion of the calibration specimen block without defects and the scanning signal being above the time-domain authentication mask for another portion of the calibration specimen block including defects and verifying the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to non - destructive inspection (NDI) systems, and more particularly to methods and systems for metrological certification of NDI ultrasonic systems. Background Art

[0002] NDI ultrasonic inspection systems are certified by empirical methods that use NDI reference standards to calibrate and certify NDI ultrasonic inspection systems. Due to the variability of physical reference standards and NDI ultrasonic systems, the first - pass qualification rate of this empirical method is low. Each NDI ultrasonic inspection certification is customized. The price of linear array transducers for NDI ultrasonic inspection systems ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 and is also customized. The suppliers of these systems are limited and the development cycle can exceed one year. There is a need for improved methods and systems to certify NDI inspection systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one example, a method for performing metrological certification of a non - destructive inspection (NDI) ultrasonic system and / or an NDI ultrasonic transducer includes performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a calibration specimen block by the NDI ultrasonic system. The ultrasonic scanning operation generates a scan signal. The method further includes superimposing a time - domain certification mask on the scan signal and using the time - domain certification mask to evaluate the scan signal. The method additionally includes using a frequency - domain certification mask to verify the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer. The method further includes certifying the NDI ultrasonic system and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer in response to the scan signal being below the time - domain certification mask for a portion of the calibration specimen block without defects and the scan signal being above the time - domain certification mask for another portion of the calibration specimen block including defects, and verifying the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system.

[0004] According to another example, a system for performing metrological certification of a non - destructive inspection (NDI) ultrasonic system and / or an NDI ultrasonic transducer includes a processor and a memory associated with the processor. The memory includes computer - readable program instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a set of functions. The set of functions includes performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a calibration specimen block. The ultrasonic scanning operation generates a scan signal. The set of functions further includes superimposing a time - domain certification mask on the scan signal and using the time - domain certification mask to evaluate the scan signal. The set of functions further includes using a frequency - domain certification mask to verify the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system. The set of functions further includes certifying the NDI ultrasonic system in response to the scan signal being within the time - domain certification mask for a portion of the calibration specimen block without defects and the scan signal being above the time - domain certification mask for another portion of the calibration specimen block including defects, and verifying the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system.

[0005] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, the method and system further include calibrating at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system or the NDI ultrasonic transducer of the NDI ultrasonic system in response to the scan signal being higher than the time-domain authentication mask for any part of the calibration specimen block without defects or in response to the scan signal being lower than the time-domain authentication mask for any other part of the calibration specimen block including defects. The method and system further include repeating the following operations until the new scan signal is lower than the time-domain authentication mask for a part of the calibration specimen block without defects and the new scan signal is higher than the time-domain authentication mask for other parts of the calibration specimen block including defects: performing an ultrasonic scan operation to generate a new scan signal, superimposing the time-domain authentication mask on the new scan signal, evaluating the new scan signal using the time-domain authentication mask, and calibrating at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system or the NDI ultrasonic transducer of the NDI ultrasonic system.

[0006] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, the method and system further include calibrating at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system or the NDI ultrasonic transducer of the NDI ultrasonic system in response to the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system not being verified. The system and method further include repeating the following operations until the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasonic system is verified: performing an ultrasonic scan operation to generate a new scan signal, verifying that the new scan signal passes through the time-domain authentication mask, and calibrating at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system or the NDI ultrasonic transducer of the NDI ultrasonic system.

[0007] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, the scan signal is an A-scan ultrasonic signal.

[0008] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, the method and system further include creating a time-domain authentication mask using at least one of the specifications for the workpiece and the process specification requirements. The time-domain authentication mask is configured to test the noise floor, the depth of the calibration specimen block, and the signal sensitivity for different types of defects.

[0009] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, different types of defects include voids, delaminations, and inclusions.

[0010] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, the method and system further include performing verification of the time-domain authentication mask.

[0011] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, performing verification of the time-domain authentication mask includes generating a C-scan signal by performing an ultrasonic scan operation on a metrology specimen block; selecting an A-scan signal from the C-scan signal and drawing a time-domain authentication mask around the A-scan signal.

[0012] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, wherein verifying the porosity sensitivity of an NDI ultrasound system and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer includes predicting the system response of the NDI ultrasound system through fast Fourier transform (FFT), dynamic range, and noise floor testing and evaluation; presenting a variety of different material types for selection and using a frequency domain authentication mask to create a porosity sensitivity curve for the selected material.

[0013] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, wherein the method and system further include creating a frequency domain authentication mask for a specific workpiece.

[0014] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, wherein creating a frequency domain authentication mask for a specific workpiece includes generating an ultrasonic signal by performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a metrology specimen block; converting the ultrasonic signal from a time domain signal to a frequency domain signal; and applying a bandwidth mask covering the frequency domain signal.

[0015] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, wherein the system and method further include verifying that the frequency domain signal is completely within the bandwidth mask; and in response to a portion of the frequency domain signal being outside the bandwidth mask, applying a notch filter or using a different transducer so that the frequency domain signal is completely within the bandwidth mask, wherein the bandwidth mask having the frequency domain signal completely within it corresponds to the frequency domain authentication mask.

[0016] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, wherein applying the bandwidth mask includes a bandwidth mask that is less than or equal to approximately fifty percent (50%) of the peak amplitude of the frequency domain signal.

[0017] According to any of the examples and the foregoing examples, wherein verifying the porosity sensitivity of the NDI ultrasound system is based on the thickness of the calibration specimen block, the frequency of the NDI ultrasound transducer of the NDI ultrasound system, and the bandwidth of the frequency domain signal.

[0018] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be implemented independently in each example or can be combined with other examples. Further details can be seen by referring to the following description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a flowchart of an example method for performing metrological certification of an NDI ultrasound system and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 is according to Figure 1A and Figure 1B is an illustration of an example of an intelligent metrology system for performing metrological certification of an NDI ultrasound system and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer according to the exemplary method in

[0021] Figure 3 It is an example of the verification of the linear regression model of an NDI ultrasound system according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4A It is an example of a frequency-domain authentication mask for verifying the porosity sensitivity of an NDI ultrasound system and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer before low-frequency component filtering according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 4B It is an example of a frequency-domain authentication mask for verifying the porosity sensitivity of an NDI ultrasound system and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer after low-frequency component filtering according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5 It is a flowchart of an example method for creating and performing verification of a time-domain authentication mask according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 6 It is an illustration of an example of a time-domain authentication mask according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a flowchart of an example method for creating a frequency-domain authentication mask according to an example of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0027] The following detailed description of the examples refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples of the present disclosure. Other examples with different structures and operations do not deviate from the scope of the present disclosure. In different drawings, similar reference numerals may refer to the same elements or components.

[0028] The present disclosure may be a system, method, and / or computer program product. The computer program product may include one or more computer-readable storage media having computer-readable program instructions thereon that cause a processor to execute aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer-readable storage medium can be, by way of example and not limitation, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device (such as a punched card or raised structures in grooves having instructions recorded thereon), and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed to be a transient signal per se, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., an optical pulse through an optical fiber cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.

[0030] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device, or to an external computer or external storage device, via a network, such as, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. The network can include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0031] The computer-readable program instructions for performing the operations of the present disclosure may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages (such as Smalltalk, C++ etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages (such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may establish a connection with an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some examples, for performing aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic circuit, including for example a programmable logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA), may execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit.

[0032] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to examples of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0033] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block(s). These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium in which the instructions are stored comprises an article of manufacture including instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block(s).

[0034] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block(s) of the block diagram(s).

[0035] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a flowchart of an example of a method 100 for performing metrological certification of an NDI ultrasound system and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer according to an example of the present disclosure. Also refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 is an illustration of an example of an intelligent metrology system 200 for performing metrological certification 201 of an NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer 204 according to the exemplary method in FIG. 1A and Figure 1B . According to the example, the NDI ultrasound system 202 includes a processor 206 and a memory 208 associated with the processor 206. The processor 206 is configured to control a robot 210 to perform an ultrasound scanning operation. The robot 210 includes an end effector 212, and the end effector 212 is configured to hold the NDI ultrasound transducer 204 to perform the ultrasound scanning operation described herein. The processor 206 is also connected to a display 214, and the display 214 presents the results of the ultrasound scanning inspection operation and the certification of the NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204. The NDI ultrasound system 202 also includes a transmitter 215 for transmitting ultrasound signals and a receiver 216 for receiving return signals or scan signals 104( Figure 1A ). According to the example, the scan signal 104 is an A-scan signal.

[0036] In Figure 1A block 102, an ultrasound scanning operation is performed on a calibration specimen block 217 by the NDI ultrasound system 202. According to the example, the calibration specimen block 217 is a composite material panel including multiple layers of laminated composite materials. In other examples, the composite material panel may include layers of different types of materials, such as metal layers or alloy layers. The calibration specimen block 217 includes one or more portions without any defects and one or more portions with defects 106( Figure 6 ). This is to verify that the NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204 can accurately detect where there are defects 106 and where there are no defects, as described in more detail herein. Examples of defects 106 include but are not limited to voids, delaminations, and inclusions such as foreign objects or foreign object damage (FOD) in the calibration specimen block 217. The ultrasound scanning operation generates a scan signal 104 or a return signal from the calibration specimen block 217.

[0037] In block 108, a graph of the scan signal 104 is presented. By way of example, the scan signal 104 is presented on a display (such as Figure 2 the display 214 in

[0038] In block 110, the time-domain authentication mask 112 is superimposed on the scan signal 104. See also Figure 6 , Figure 6 which is an illustration of an example of the time-domain authentication mask 112 superimposed on the scan signal 104 according to an example of the present disclosure. Reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 for a more detailed description of creating the time-domain authentication mask 112 and performing verification of the time-domain authentication mask 112.

[0039] In block 114, the time-domain authentication mask 112 is used to evaluate the scan signal 104. Using the time-domain authentication mask 112 to evaluate the scan signal 104 includes, for a portion of the calibration specimen block 217 without the defect 106, verifying that the scan signal 104 is below the time-domain authentication mask 112, and for another portion of the calibration specimen block 217 with the defect 106, verifying that the scan signal 104 is above the time-domain authentication mask 112, as shown in the example of Figure 6 .

[0040] In block 116, for a portion of the calibration specimen block 217 without the defect 106, it is determined whether the scan signal 104 is below the time-domain authentication mask 112. If, for a portion of the calibration specimen block 217 without the defect 106, the scan signal 104 is above the time-domain authentication mask 112, the method 100 proceeds to block 118. If, for a portion of the calibration specimen block 217 without the defect 106, the scan signal 104 is below the time-domain authentication mask 112, the method 100 proceeds to block 120.

[0041] In block 120, for another portion of the calibration specimen block 217 including the defect 106, it is determined whether the scan signal 104 is above the time-domain authentication mask 112. If the scan signal 104 is above the time-domain authentication mask 112, the method 100 proceeds to Figure 1B block 122 in

[0042] In block 118, in response to the scan signal 104 being higher than the time-domain authentication mask 112 for any part of the calibration specimen block 217 without the defect 106, or in response to the scan signal 104 being lower than the time-domain authentication mask 112 for any other part of the calibration specimen block 217 including the defect 106, at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 is calibrated.

[0043] Method 100 returns from block 118 to block 102, and the calibrated NDI ultrasonic system 202 performs another ultrasonic scanning operation to generate a new scan signal 104. Similar to what was previously described, blocks 102-120 of method 100 are repeated until a new scan signal 104 that passes the time-domain authentication mask 112 is generated. For example, for any part of the calibration specimen block 217 without the defect 106, the new scan signal 104 is lower than the time-domain authentication mask 112, and for other parts of the calibration specimen block 217 including the defect 106, the new scan signal 104 is higher than the time-domain authentication mask 112. An ultrasonic scanning operation is performed in block 102 to generate a new scan signal 104; in block 110, the time-domain authentication mask 112 is superimposed on the new scan signal 104; the at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 is calibrated in block 118 repeatedly until a new scan signal 104 that passes the time-domain authentication mask 112 is generated.

[0044] In response to the scan signal 104 or the new scan signal 104 being lower than the time-domain authentication mask 112 for the part of the calibration specimen block 217 without the defect 106 in block 116, and in response to the scan signal 104 or the new scan signal 104 being higher than the time-domain authentication mask 112 for the part of the calibration specimen block 217 with the defect 106 in block 120, method 100 proceeds to Figure 1B block 122 in.

[0045] In block 122, the porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 is verified using the frequency-domain authentication mask 124 and the linear regression model 300 corresponding to the slope M of the equation Y = Mx + b ( Figure 3 ). In Figure 2 ) Figure 3In the example of the porosity sensitivity curve 302 shown, a zero slope (Y = 0x) indicates insensitivity to porosity over the thickness of the calibration specimen block 217 from zero (0) plies to approximately sixty (60) plies 303. The porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 is verified based on the thickness of the calibration specimen block 217, the frequency of the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202, and the bandwidth 230 of the frequency domain signal 232.

[0046] As described in more detail in reference boxes 126-138, the porosity sensitivity 218 is determined by analyzing the slope of a set of metered porosity curves 220 and the R-squared value 306 ( Figure 3 ) to determine the degree of fit of the linear regression model 300 of the set of metered porosity curves 220 to the porosity library model 224. The metered porosity curves 220 are also referred to as porosity sensitivity curves. According to the example, the porosity library model 224 is stored internally in the memory 208 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202.

[0047] In Figure 4A and Figure 4B examples of the frequency domain authentication mask 124 are illustrated in each. Figure 4A is an example of the frequency domain authentication mask 124a for verifying the porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 before low-frequency component filtering according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 4B is an example of the frequency domain authentication mask 124b for verifying the porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 after low-frequency component filtering according to an example of the present disclosure. Creating an example of the frequency domain authentication mask 124 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 7 .

[0048] In block 126, verifying the porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 includes predicting the system frequency response 226 ( Figure 2 ) of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 by fast Fourier transform (FFT), and includes testing and evaluating the dynamic range 219 ( Figure 2 ) and the noise floor 219b and 602 ( Figure 6 ).

[0049] In block 128, a dynamic range algorithm is performed on the frequency response 226 to provide a decibel range or dynamic range 219 between the saturation 219a and the noise floor 219b and 602. At selected frequencies, the dynamic range algorithm is verified for the thinnest calibration specimen block 217a and the maximum thickness specimen block 217b. The signal from the maximum thickness specimen block 217b will be above the noise floor 219b and 602. The ultrasonic transducer 204 with a narrow frequency band needs to be appropriately selected through the frequency domain authentication mask 124 to provide a suitable frequency response 226 or scan signal 104 within the frequency domain authentication mask 124, or by applying a notch software filter or by placing a physical filter in line with the receiver 216 of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 to provide a suitable frequency response 226 within the frequency domain authentication mask 124. The dynamic range 219 test will be determined based on the generated metrological porosity curve 220 that depends on frequency and thickness. As Figure 6 shown, the noise floor 219b and 602 are tested for the time domain authentication mask 112. As Figure 6 shown, the noise floor 219b and 602 are determined by the scan signal 104 within the frequency domain authentication mask 124, and the frequency domain authentication mask 124 is attributed to electrical noise or inner layer noise or both.

[0050] In block 130, a variety of different material types 228 ( Figure 2 ) are presented for selection. In block 132, the porosity sensitivity curve 302 ( Figure 3 ) is created for the selected material type 228 using the frequency domain authentication mask 124. In block 134, the outliers 304 are removed from the porosity sensitivity curve 302. Also refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 which is an example of the verification of the linear regression model 300 of the NDI ultrasonic system according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates an example of removing the outliers 304 from the porosity sensitivity curve 302. The intelligent metrology system 200 is configured to analyze a set of metrological porosity curves 220 and the slope of the R-squared value 306 to determine the suitability of the linear regression model 300 of the porosity sensitivity curve 302 and the porosity library model 224. The predetermined slope and R-squared value 306 will drive the removal of the outliers 304 and the filtering of the spectrum until an appropriate porosity sensitivity 218 is obtained. According to an example, the slope and R-squared value 306 of the porosity sensitivity curve 302 for the porosity library model 224 are determined empirically based on the material type and optimized for the best system response. According to another example, when the ultrasonic properties of the composite material are known, the slope and R-squared value 306 of the porosity sensitivity curve 302 for the porosity library model 224 are determined by software modeling.

[0051] In block 136, the slope of the porosity sensitivity curve 302 is adjusted via an auto-filter algorithm to set the library. For example, the lower frequencies in Figure 4B are decreased until the optimal slope of the porosity sensitivity curve 302 in Figure 3 is achieved. The slope of the gauge porosity curve 220 or the porosity sensitivity curve can be increased by filtering the lower frequencies of the frequency response 226 to achieve greater sensitivity to porosity.

[0052] In block 138, it is determined whether the porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasound system 202 has been verified. If the porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasound system 202 has been verified, method 100 proceeds to block 140. In block 140, the NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204 have been certified. According to an example, a message indicating that the NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204 have been certified is presented.

[0053] If the NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204 have not been certified, method 100 returns to block 118. In block 118, at least one of the NDI ultrasound system 202 or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204 of the NDI ultrasound system 202 is calibrated in response to the unverified porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasound system 202. Then, method 100 will continue through similar blocks 102 - 120 as described previously to determine whether the calibration of at least one of the NDI ultrasound system 202 or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204 has been affected by the time-domain authentication mask 112. Thus, the following is repeated until the porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasound system 202 is verified in block 140: perform an ultrasound scan operation in block 102 to generate a new scan signal 104; in blocks 110 - 120, verify that the new scan signal 104 passes the time-domain authentication mask 112; verify the porosity sensitivity 218 using the frequency-domain authentication mask in block 122; calibrate at least one of the NDI ultrasound system 202 or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204 in block 118.

[0054] In block 140, in response to the porosity sensitivity 218 of the NDI ultrasound system 202 verified as described herein, and also in response to, as previously described, for no defect 106 ( Figure 6For any part of the calibration specimen block 217, if the scan signal 104 or the new scan signal 104 is lower than the time-domain authentication mask 112, and for any other part of the calibration specimen block 217 that includes the defect 106, if the scan signal 104 or the new scan signal 104 is higher than the time-domain authentication mask 112, the NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 are authenticated. The intelligent metering system 200 is configured to generate an output including an indication of the authenticated NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 in response to the porosity sensitivity 218 of the verified NDI ultrasonic system 202, where the output enables the use and / or operation of the NDI ultrasonic system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer 204 for inspection.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of a method 500 for creating and performing verification of the time-domain authentication mask 112 according to an example of the present disclosure. Also refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 is an illustration of an example of the time-domain authentication mask 112 according to an example of the present disclosure. In block 502, the time-domain authentication mask 112 is created using at least one of the workpiece specification 504 and the process specification requirements 506 for processing the workpiece 240 ( Figure 2 ). According to the example, the workpiece 240 is a composite panel including a multi-layer material similar to that previously described. However, the exemplary methods and systems described herein are applicable to any type of workpiece 240 and are not limited to components made of composite materials or any specific type of material or construction. The time-domain authentication mask 112 is configured to test the noise floor 602 ( Figure 6 ), the depth of the calibration specimen block 217, and the signal sensitivity for different types of defects 106 ( Figure 6 ). Examples of different types of defects 106 include but are not limited to voids, delaminations, and inclusions.

[0056] The time-domain authentication mask 112 includes horizontal breakpoints 606a - 606c and vertical breakpoints 608a - 608b. The time-domain authentication mask 112 can include stepped segments, slope segments with linear or curved segments, or a combination of any of these types of segments. In Figure 6 's example, the time-domain authentication mask 112 is a combined function of linear segments. Voltage V 0 is equal to the adjusted reference signal. V 1 is equal to the first breakpoint 606a. V 2 is equal to the second breakpoint 606b, while V 3 is equal to the third breakpoint 606c. In Figure 6 's example, the third breakpoint 606c is the noise floor 602. Time T 0Equals the front surface of the metrology specimen block 511 at a reference zero thickness. T 1 Equals the first break point 608a, and T 2 Equals the second break point 608b.

[0057] At Figure 5 In the box 508, the verification of the time-domain authentication mask 112 is performed. According to an example, an empirical verification of the time-domain authentication mask 112 is performed. According to an example, the verification of the time-domain authentication mask 112 in the box 508 includes operations described with reference to boxes 510 - 524.

[0058] In box 510, an ultrasonic scan operation is performed on the metrology specimen block 511 by using an NDI ultrasonic transducer such as Figure 2 the NDI ultrasonic transducer in 204 to generate a C-scan signal. According to an example, the metrology specimen block 511 corresponds to an authenticated workpiece known to conform to or meet the workpiece specification 504.

[0059] In box 512, an A-scan signal 104 is selected from the C-scan signal for a selected point ( Figure 6 ). An A-scan is a method of presenting ultrasonic signal data using a horizontal baseline and a vertical deflection from that baseline, where the horizontal baseline indicates distance or time and the vertical deflection from that baseline indicates the amplitude of the returned ultrasonic signal. A C-scan is a method of presenting ultrasonic signal data that provides a plan view of a test object such as a calibration specimen block 217, a metrology specimen block 511, or a workpiece 240 and discontinuities within the test object. In box 514, a graph of the A-scan signal is presented.

[0060] In box 516, the front wall 604 of the metrology specimen block 511 is detected from the local maxima of the A-scan signal 104 ( Figure 6 ) and the rear wall of the metrology specimen block 511 ( Figure 6 not shown in ). In box 518, post-processing time correction gain (TCG) is performed. Post-processing time correction gain is a process of adding gain to the scan signal to normalize the natural attenuation of the composite material based on thickness. Time correction gain (TCG) compensates for the reflection amplitude differences from equal reflectors at different sound propagation distances in the test object (e.g., defect 106) as a function of time.

[0061] In box 520, the time-domain authentication mask 112 is drawn around the A-scan signal 104 ( Figure 6 ). The time-domain authentication mask 112 is represented by the shaded area in Figure 6 .

[0062] In box 522, as Figure 6As shown, a graph of the time-domain authentication mask 112 drawn around the A-scan signal 104 is presented. In block 524, the time-domain authentication mask 112 is verified from the graph of the time-domain authentication mask 112 drawn around the A-scan signal 104.

[0063] In block 526, the time-domain authentication mask 112 is used for: developing and authenticating an NDI ultrasound system; standardization requirements for ultrasound transducer manufacturers; verifying the performance of new ultrasound transducers, etc.

[0064] Figure 7 is a flowchart of an example of a method 700 for creating a frequency-domain authentication mask 124 according to an example of the present disclosure. Also refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , Figure 4A is an example of a frequency-domain authentication mask 124a for verifying the porosity sensitivity 218 of an NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer 204 before low-frequency component filtering according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 4B is an example of a frequency-domain authentication mask 124b for verifying the porosity sensitivity 218 of an NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer 204 after low-frequency component filtering according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0065] In block 702, a frequency-domain authentication mask 124 is created for a specific workpiece 240. According to an example, the specific workpiece 240 is a composite material including a multi-layer laminated composite material similar to that described previously. According to other examples, the frequency-domain authentication mask 124 can be created for other types of workpieces using the techniques described herein. According to Figure 6 the example in, creating the frequency-domain authentication mask 124 in block 702 includes the operations described with reference to blocks 704 - 720.

[0066] In block 704, creating the frequency-domain authentication mask 124 for a specific workpiece 240 includes generating an ultrasonic scan signal by performing an ultrasonic scan operation on a metrology specimen block 511 using an NDI ultrasound transducer of an NDI ultrasound system such as Figure 2 the NDI ultrasound system 202 in. As previously described, the metrology specimen block 511 corresponds to a certified workpiece 240 known to conform to or meet the workpiece specification 504. According to an example, the generated ultrasonic scan signal is a C-scan ultrasonic signal.

[0067] In block 706, the ultrasonic scan signal or the C-scan ultrasonic signal is received by the NDI ultrasound system 202. In block 708, the ultrasonic signal is converted from a time-domain signal to a frequency-domain signal 402 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B ). According to an example, the ultrasonic scan signal is converted from the time-domain to the frequency-domain by performing a fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the time-domain ultrasonic scan signal.

[0068] In block 712, the frequency domain signal 402 of the ultrasound scan signal or the A-scan of the ultrasound signal is presented. According to an example, the frequency domain signal of the A-scan of the ultrasound scan signal is presented on a display such as Figure 2 the display 214 in

[0069] In block 714, a bandwidth mask 404 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) that covers the bandwidth of the frequency domain signal 402 is applied. In block 716, it is verified that the frequency domain signal 402 is completely within the bandwidth mask 404.

[0070] In block 718, according to an example, in response to a portion of the frequency domain signal 402 being outside the bandwidth mask 404, a notch filter is applied in the NDI ultrasound system 202 ( Figure 2 ), or a different NDI ultrasound transducer 204 is used such that the frequency domain signal 402 is completely within the bandwidth mask 404. The bandwidth mask 404 that completely covers the frequency domain signal 402 corresponds to the frequency domain authentication mask 124. According to an example, applying the bandwidth mask 404 includes a bandwidth mask 404 that is less than or equal to approximately fifty percent (50%) of the peak amplitude of the frequency domain signal 402 or 6 decibels lower than the peak amplitude of the time domain ultrasound scan signal.

[0071] In block 720, it is verified that the change in block 718 does not affect the time domain response of the NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204. According to an example, verifying that the change in block 718 does not affect the time domain response is similar to that described with respect to blocks 102 - 120 in Figure 1A .

[0072] In block 722, the frequency domain authentication mask 124 is used for: developing and authenticating the NDI ultrasound system; standardization requirements for NDI ultrasound transducer manufacturers; verifying the performance of new NDI ultrasound transducers, etc.

[0073] Referring back to Figure 2 , as previously described, Figure 2 is according to Figure 1A and Figure 1BIllustration of an example of an intelligent metrology system 200 for performing metrology certification 201 of an NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or an NDI ultrasound transducer 204 in the exemplary method. The intelligent metrology system 200 includes a processor 206 and a memory 208 associated with the processor 206. The memory 208 includes computer-readable program instructions 250 that cause the processor 206 to perform a set of functions 252 when the computer-readable program instructions 250 are executed by the processor 206. According to an example, the instructions 250 include instructions 250 for performing the methods described herein, which include metrology certification 201 of the NDI ultrasound system 202 and / or the NDI ultrasound transducer 204. According to an example, it is embodied and executed by the intelligent metrology system 200 including the NDI ultrasound system 202 Figure 1A and Figure 1B method 100 in Figure 5 method 500 in Figure 7 and method 700 in. The set of functions 252 includes blocks of method 100, method 500, and method 700.

[0074] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions that include one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified (one or more) logical functions. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, depending on the functions involved, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes may be executed in the reverse order. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by a dedicated system based on hardware that performs the specified functions or actions or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0075] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular examples only and are not intended to limit the examples of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, it specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0076] All means or steps in the appended claims, plus the corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of the functional elements, are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing a function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present examples has been given for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the examples.

[0077] In addition, the present disclosure includes embodiments in accordance with the following clauses:

[0078] Clause 1. A method (100) for performing metrological certification (201) of a non-destructive inspection ultrasonic system, i.e., an NDI ultrasonic system (200) and / or an NDI ultrasonic transducer (204), comprising:

[0079] Performing (102) an ultrasonic scanning operation on a calibration specimen block (217) by the NDI ultrasonic system (202), the ultrasonic scanning operation generating a scanning signal (104);

[0080] Superimposing (110) a time-domain authentication mask (112) on the scanning signal (104);

[0081] Evaluating (114) the scanning signal (104) using the time-domain authentication mask (112);

[0082] Using a frequency-domain authentication mask (124) to verify (122) the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204); and

[0083] Authenticating (140) the NDI ultrasonic system (202) and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) in response to the scanning signal (104) being below the time-domain authentication mask (112) for a portion of the calibration specimen block (217) without defects (106), and the scanning signal (104) being above the time-domain authentication mask (112) for another portion of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defects (106) and the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) being verified.

[0084] Clause 2. The method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0085] In response to the scan signal (104) being higher than the time-domain authentication mask (112) for any part of the calibration specimen block (217) without the defect (106), or in response to the scan signal (104) being lower than the time-domain authentication mask (112) for any other part of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106), calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202); and

[0086] Repeat the following until, for the part of the calibration specimen block (217) without the defect (106), the new scan signal (104) is lower than the time-domain authentication mask (112) and, for the other part of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106), the new scan signal (104) is higher than the time-domain authentication mask (112): perform (102) the ultrasonic scanning operation to generate a new scan signal (104), superimpose (110) the time-domain authentication mask (112) on the new scan signal (104), evaluate (114) the new scan signal (104) using the time-domain authentication mask (112), and calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202).

[0087] Clause 3. The method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising:

[0088] In response to the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) not being verified, calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202); and

[0089] Repeat the following until the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) is verified (138): perform (102) the ultrasonic scanning operation to generate a new scan signal (104), verify (114) that the new scan signal (104) passes through the time-domain authentication mask (112), and calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202).

[0090] Clause 4. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the scan signal (104) is an A-scan ultrasonic signal.

[0091] Clause 5. The method (100) according to claim 1 further comprises creating (502) the time-domain authentication mask (112) using at least one of a specification (504) for the workpiece (240) and a process specification requirement (506), wherein the time-domain authentication mask (112) is configured to test a noise floor (219b, 602), a depth of the calibration specimen block (217), and signal sensitivity for different types of defects (106).

[0092] Clause 6. The method (100) according to claim 5, wherein the different types of defects (106) include voids, delaminations, and inclusions.

[0093] Clause 7. The method (100) according to claim 1 further comprises performing (508) a verification of the time-domain authentication mask (112).

[0094] Clause 8. The method (100) according to claim 7, wherein performing (508) the verification of the time-domain authentication mask (112) comprises:

[0095] generating (510) a C-scan signal by performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a metrology specimen block (511);

[0096] selecting (512) an A-scan signal from the C-scan signal; and

[0097] drawing (520) the time-domain authentication mask (112) around the A-scan signal.

[0098] Clause 9. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein verifying (122) the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) comprises:

[0099] predicting (126) a system response of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) through fast Fourier transform, i.e., FFT, dynamic range (219), and noise floor (219b, 602) testing and evaluation;

[0100] presenting (130) a plurality of different material types (228) for selection; and

[0101] creating (132) a porosity sensitivity curve (302) for the selected material type (228) using the frequency-domain authentication mask (124).

[0102] Clause 10. The method (100) according to claim 1 further comprises creating (702) the frequency-domain authentication mask (124) for a specific workpiece (240).

[0103] Clause 11. The method (100) according to claim 10, wherein creating (702) the frequency-domain authentication mask (124) for the specific workpiece (240) includes:

[0104] generating (704) an ultrasonic signal by performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a metrology specimen block (511);

[0105] converting (710) the ultrasonic signal from a time-domain signal to a frequency-domain signal (232, 402); and

[0106] applying (714) a bandwidth mask (404) that covers the bandwidth of the frequency-domain signal (232, 402).

[0107] Clause 12. The method (100) according to claim 11, further comprising:

[0108] verifying (716) that the frequency-domain signal (232, 402) is entirely within the bandwidth mask (404); and

[0109] in response to a portion of the frequency-domain signal (232, 402) being outside the bandwidth mask (404), applying (718) a notch filter or using a different transducer so that the frequency-domain signal (232, 402) is entirely within the bandwidth mask (404), wherein the bandwidth mask (404) having the frequency-domain signal (232, 402) entirely within it corresponds to the frequency-domain authentication mask (124).

[0110] Clause 13. The method (100) according to claim 11, wherein applying (714) the bandwidth mask (404) includes a bandwidth mask (404) that is less than or equal to approximately fifty percent (50%) of the peak amplitude of the frequency-domain signal (232, 402).

[0111] Clause 14. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein verifying (122) the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) is based on the thickness of the calibration specimen block (217), the frequency of the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202), and the bandwidth (230) of the frequency-domain signal (232, 402).

[0112] Clause 15. A system (200) for performing metrological certification (201) of a non-destructive inspection ultrasonic system (200), i.e., an NDI ultrasonic system (200) and / or an NDI ultrasonic transducer (204), comprising:

[0113] a processor (206); and

[0114] A memory (208) associated with the processor (206), the memory (208) including computer-readable program instructions (250), which when executed by the processor (206) cause the processor (206) to perform a function set (252) including:

[0115] Performing (102) an ultrasonic scanning operation on a calibration specimen block (217), the ultrasonic scanning operation generating a scanning signal (104);

[0116] Overlaying (110) a time-domain authentication mask (112) on the scanning signal (104);

[0117] Evaluating (114) the scanning signal (104) using the time-domain authentication mask (112);

[0118] Using a frequency-domain authentication mask (124) to verify (122) the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202); and

[0119] Responsive to the scanning signal (104) being within the time-domain authentication mask (112) for a portion of the calibration specimen block (217) without a defect (106), and the scanning signal (104) being above the time-domain authentication mask (112) for another portion of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106) and the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) being verified, authenticating (140) the NDI ultrasonic system (202).

[0120] Clause 16. The system (200) according to claim 15, wherein the function set (252) further includes:

[0121] Responsive to the scanning signal (104) being above the time-domain authentication mask (112) for any portion of the calibration specimen block (217) without the defect (106), or responsive to the scanning signal (104) being below the time-domain authentication mask (112) for any other portion of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106), calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202); and

[0122] Repeat the following operations until, for portions of the calibration specimen block (217) without the defect (106), the new scan signal (104) is below the time-domain authentication mask (112) and, for other portions of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106), the new scan signal (104) is above the time-domain authentication mask (112): perform (102) the ultrasonic scanning operation to generate a new scan signal (104), superimpose (110) the time-domain authentication mask (112) on the new scan signal (104), evaluate (114) the new scan signal (104) using the time-domain authentication mask (112), and calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204).

[0123] Clause 17. The system (200) according to claim 15, wherein the function set (252) further includes:

[0124] Calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) in response to the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) not being verified; and

[0125] Repeat the following operations until the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) is verified: perform (102) the ultrasonic scanning operation to generate a new scan signal (104), verify (114) that the new scan signal (104) passes through the time-domain authentication mask (112), and calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202).

[0126] Clause 18. The system (200) according to claim 18, wherein the function set (252) further includes creating (502) the time-domain authentication mask (112) using at least one of a specification (504) for the workpiece (240) and a process specification requirement (506), wherein the time-domain authentication mask (112) is configured to test the noise floor (219b, 602), the depth of the calibration specimen block (217), and the signal sensitivity for different types of defects (106).

[0127] Clause 19. The system (200) according to claim 18, wherein the different types of defects (106) include voids, delaminations, and inclusions.

[0128] Clause 20. The system (200) according to claim 15, wherein the function set (252) further includes creating (702) the frequency domain authentication mask (124) for a specific workpiece (240), and creating the frequency domain authentication mask (124) for the specific workpiece (240) includes:

[0129] generating (704) an ultrasonic signal by performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a metrological specimen block (511);

[0130] converting (710) the ultrasonic signal from a time domain signal to a frequency domain signal (232, 402); and

[0131] applying (714) a bandwidth mask (404) that covers the bandwidth of the frequency domain signal (232, 402).

[0132] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any arrangement designed to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific examples shown, and these examples have other applications in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations. The appended claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the examples of this disclosure to the specific examples described herein.

Claims

1. A method (100) for performing metrological certification (201) of a non-destructive inspection ultrasonic system, i.e., an NDI ultrasonic system, and / or a non-destructive inspection ultrasonic transducer, i.e., an NDI ultrasonic transducer (204), comprising: performing (102) an ultrasonic scanning operation on a calibration specimen block (217) by the NDI ultrasonic system (202), the ultrasonic scanning operation generating a scanning signal (104); superimposing (110) a time-domain authentication mask (112) on the scanning signal (104); evaluating (114) the scanning signal (104) using the time-domain authentication mask (112); using a frequency-domain authentication mask (124) to verify (122) the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204); certifying (140) the NDI ultrasonic system (202) and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) in response to the scanning signal (104) being lower than the time-domain authentication mask (112) for a portion of the calibration specimen block (217) without defects (106), and the scanning signal (104) being higher than the time-domain authentication mask (112) for another portion of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defects (106), and verifying (138) the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202); wherein the method further comprises: creating (702) the frequency-domain authentication mask (124) for a specific workpiece (240), including: generating (704) an ultrasonic signal by performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a metrological specimen block (511) conforming to the specifications of the workpiece; converting (710) the ultrasonic signal from a time-domain signal to a frequency-domain signal (232, 402); and applying (714) a bandwidth mask (404) covering the bandwidth of the frequency-domain signal (232, 402); and calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) until the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) is verified.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) in response to the scanning signal (104) being higher than the time-domain authentication mask (112) for any portion of the calibration specimen block (217) without the defects (106) or the scanning signal (104) being lower than the time-domain authentication mask (112) for any other portion of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defects (106); and Repeat the following operations until, for a portion of the calibration specimen block (217) without the defect (106), the new scan signal (104) is lower than the time-domain authentication mask (112) and, for other portions of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106), the new scan signal (104) is higher than the time-domain authentication mask (112): perform (102) the ultrasonic scanning operation to generate the new scan signal (104), superimpose (110) the time-domain authentication mask (112) on the new scan signal (104), evaluate (114) the new scan signal (104) using the time-domain authentication mask (112), and calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: in response to the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) not being verified, calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202); and repeating the following operations until the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) is verified (138): performing (102) the ultrasonic scanning operation to generate a new scan signal (104), verifying (114) that the new scan signal (104) passes through the time-domain authentication mask (112), and calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202).

4. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, the scan signal (104) is an A-scan ultrasonic signal.

5. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the time-domain authentication mask (112) is configured to test the noise floor (219b, 602), the depth of the calibration specimen block (217), and the signal sensitivity for different types of defects (106).

6. The method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising performing (508) the verification of the time-domain authentication mask (112), wherein performing (508) the verification of the time-domain authentication mask (112) comprises: generating (510) a C-scan signal by performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a metrology specimen block (511); selecting (512) an A-scan signal from the C-scan signal; and drawing (520) the time-domain authentication mask (112) around the A-scan signal.

7. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, verifying (122) the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) and / or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) comprises: Predict (126) the system response of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) through Fast Fourier Transform, i.e., FFT, dynamic range (219), and noise floor (219b, 602) testing and evaluation; Present (130) a variety of different material types (228) for selection; and Create (132) a porosity sensitivity curve (302) for the selected material type (228) using the frequency domain authentication mask (124).

8. The method (100) according to claim 1, further comprising: Verify (716) that the frequency domain signal (232, 402) is completely within the bandwidth mask (404); and In response to a portion of the frequency domain signal (232, 402) being outside the bandwidth mask (404), apply (718) a notch filter or use a different transducer so that the frequency domain signal (232, 402) is completely within the bandwidth mask (404), wherein the bandwidth mask (404) having the frequency domain signal (232, 402) completely within it corresponds to the frequency domain authentication mask (124).

9. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein, Applying (714) the bandwidth mask (404) includes a bandwidth mask (404) that is less than or equal to fifty percent (50%) of the peak amplitude of the frequency domain signal (232, 402).

10. A system for performing metrological certification (201) of a non-destructive inspection ultrasonic system, i.e., an NDI ultrasonic system, and / or a non-destructive inspection ultrasonic transducer, i.e., an NDI ultrasonic transducer (204), comprising: A processor (206); and A memory (208) associated with the processor (206), the memory (208) including computer-readable program instructions (250), the computer-readable program instructions (250) when executed by the processor (206) cause the processor (206) to perform a function set (252) including: Perform (102) an ultrasonic scanning operation on a calibration specimen block (217) through the NDI ultrasonic system (202), the ultrasonic scanning operation generating a scan signal (104); Superimpose (110) a time domain authentication mask (112) on the scan signal (104); Evaluate (114) the scan signal (104) using the time domain authentication mask (112); Verify (122) the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) using a frequency domain authentication mask (124); In response to the scan signal (104) being within the time domain authentication mask (112) for a portion of the calibration specimen block (217) without defects (106), and the scan signal (104) being above the time domain authentication mask (112) for another portion of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106) and verifying the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202), authenticate (140) the NDI ultrasonic system (202); Creating (702) the frequency domain authentication mask (124) for a specific workpiece (240) includes: Generating (704) an ultrasonic signal by performing an ultrasonic scanning operation on a metrology specimen block (511) that complies with the specifications of the workpiece; Converting (710) the ultrasonic signal from a time domain signal to a frequency domain signal (232, 402); and Applying (714) a bandwidth mask (404) that covers the bandwidth of the frequency domain signal (232, 402); and Calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) until the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) is verified.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, the function set (252) further includes: Calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) in response to the scan signal (104) being higher than the time domain authentication mask (112) for any part of the calibration specimen block (217) without the defect (106) or the scan signal (104) being lower than the time domain authentication mask (112) for any other part of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106); and Repeating the following until, for a part of the calibration specimen block (217) without the defect (106), a new scan signal (104) is lower than the time domain authentication mask (112) and for other parts of the calibration specimen block (217) including the defect (106), the new scan signal (104) is higher than the time domain authentication mask (112): Performing (102) the ultrasonic scanning operation to generate the new scan signal (104), superimposing (110) the time domain authentication mask (112) on the new scan signal (104), evaluating (114) the new scan signal (104) using the time domain authentication mask (112), and calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204).

12. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein, the function set (252) further includes: Calibrating (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) in response to the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) not being verified; and Repeat the following operations until the porosity sensitivity (218) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) is verified: perform (102) the ultrasonic scanning operation to generate a new scan signal (104), verify (114) that the new scan signal (104) passes through the time-domain authentication mask (112), and calibrate (118) at least one of the NDI ultrasonic system (202) or the NDI ultrasonic transducer (204) of the NDI ultrasonic system (202).

13. The system according to any one of claims 10 to 11, wherein, the function set (252) further includes creating (502) the time-domain authentication mask (112) using at least one of the specification (504) for the workpiece (240) and the process specification requirement (506), wherein the time-domain authentication mask (112) is configured to test the noise floor (219b, 602), the depth of the calibration specimen block (217), and the signal sensitivity for different types of defects (106).

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