Guided Wave Phased Array for Rapid Structural Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural health monitoring (SHM) and non-destructive examination (NDE) systems for plates and plate-like structures are limited by their inability to perform rapid large-area monitoring and inspection, relying on point-to-point methods that are inefficient for detecting defects across extensive surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic guided wave system utilizing a real-time phased array concept with specially designed transducers to steer and focus guided wave energy, combining guided wave phased arrays with computational tomography (CT) techniques for enhanced defect detection and imaging, allowing for rapid and comprehensive inspection of large areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If point-to-point inspection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and inspection coverage area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system divides the large-area structure into multiple scan lines and depth ranges. The phased array transducers are segmented into multiple elements that can be independently controlled to steer and focus acoustic beams at different angles and depths, enabling systematic coverage of the entire inspection area through sequential scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional point-to-point inspection to a two-dimensional phased array approach. By controlling multiple transducer elements with different time delays, the system can steer acoustic beams in different directions and focus at different depths, adding spatial dimensionality to the inspection process and enabling rapid large-area coverage.
2Measurement precision
If traditional NDE systems are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision and defect detection capability are insufficient for large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The phased array system applies local quality by focusing acoustic energy at specific locations and depths within the structure. Each transducer element can be individually timed and amplitude-modulated to concentrate beam energy at particular points of interest, enhancing defect detection precision at localized areas while maintaining overall system capability for large-area inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical movement of single-element transducers with electronic control of multi-element phased arrays. By using electronic time delays and amplitude controls instead of mechanical positioning, the system achieves precise beam steering and focusing, improving measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If guided wave phased arrays are used, then productivity and inspection area are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guided wave phased array system achieves multi-functionality by using the same transducer array for both generating guided waves and receiving reflected signals. The system can steer beams in different directions, focus at different depths, and perform multiple scan lines, all with a single transducer array configuration, thereby expanding inspection coverage area without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves higher penetration power, improved signal-to-noise ratio, and increased sensitivity in defect detection, enabling rapid scanning and accurate imaging of defects across large areas with reduced sensor density, suitable for complex structures like aircraft and ship hulls.
Implementation Method 1
at least two guided wave transducers configured to be disposed on a structure... cause guided waves to be transmitted in a structure... receiving at least one reflected guided wave signal
Implementation Method 2
generate image data of the structure based on the at least one reflected guided wave signal
Implementation Method 3
The processor is configured to cause a pulse generator to pulse the at least two guided wave transducers in accordance with at least one of time delays or amplitude controls such that guided wave energy is steered in a predetermined direction in the structure or is focused at a predetermined focal point
Data Source
AI summary
A method for ultrasonic guided wave defect detection in a structure is disclosed. The method includes driving a plurality of transducers to cause guided waves to be transmitted in the structure in a predetermined direction or focused at a predetermined focal point, receiving at least one reflected guided wave signal, and generating image data of the structure based on the at least one reflected guided wave signal. Processed image data are generated by performing at least one of baseline image subtraction or image suppression on the image data, and a location of at least one possible defect in the structure is identified based on the processed image data.