Lamb Wave Corrosion Detection in Plate Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corrosion inspection methods for plate structures are labor-intensive, inefficient, and prone to human error due to the concealed and inaccessible nature of structural sections affected by corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using high-order symmetric Lamb wave modes generated by ultrasonic transducers to determine the depth and location of localized thinning in plate structures by analyzing arrival times and comparing them with baseline signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If point-by-point measurements using ultrasonic probes are used for corrosion inspection, then measurement precision can be achieved, but productivity decreases and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system divides the plate structure into multiple measurement zones with ultrasonic transducers arranged in arrays. Each transducer performs point measurements while the system automatically processes data from multiple zones simultaneously, maintaining precision while improving overall productivity through parallel inspection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual point-by-point ultrasonic probing with an automated system that uses Lamb wave propagation principles. The system automatically generates and detects wave patterns across the plate structure, eliminating manual operations while maintaining measurement precision through computational analysis of wave arrival times and amplitudes
2Measurement precision
If point-by-point measurements are performed manually, then measurement precision can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to accessibility issues and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system performs self-service by automatically generating Lamb waves, detecting their propagation characteristics, and analyzing corrosion data without requiring manual intervention. The system handles its own operation through automated transducer activation and computational analysis, eliminating accessibility issues and human error while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes manual ultrasonic probing with an automated electronic system that uses Lamb wave propagation. The system automatically measures wave arrival times, analyzes amplitude changes, and identifies corrosion zones through computational algorithms, replacing manual operations with automated electronic detection and analysis
3Device complexity
If conventional ultrasonic inspection methods are used, then device complexity remains manageable, but measurement precision deteriorates for concealed and inaccessible structural sections
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses Lamb wave propagation principles where ultrasonic vibrations are generated in the plate structure itself. These waves travel through the material and their propagation characteristics change when encountering corrosion, allowing precise detection of concealed defects through the material's own vibrational response rather than requiring direct access to inspection areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Lamb waves as an intermediary medium to detect corrosion. Instead of directly measuring the corroded areas, the system uses wave propagation through the plate structure as an intermediary to indirectly detect changes in material properties caused by corrosion, enabling precision measurement of concealed sections
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
This method enhances the efficiency and accuracy of corrosion inspection by enabling non-invasive detection of localized thinning, reducing labor costs, and minimizing human error, while being applicable to large areas with minimal space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
generating the selected high-order symmetric Lamb wave mode in the plate structure using one or more first ultrasonic transducers attached to the plate structure
Implementation Method 2
detecting the generated high-order symmetric Lamb wave mode using the one or more first ultrasonic transducers or one or more second ultrasonic transducers attached to the plate structure
Implementation Method 3
analysing the arrival times of the detected high-order symmetric Lamb wave mode reflected from an edge of the localised thinning to determine the location of the localised thinning in the plate structure
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method (10) for determining depth and location of localised thinning in a plate structure is provided. The computer-implemented method (10) for determining depth and location of localised thinning in the plate structure includes executing on one or more processors the steps of: selecting (12) a high-order symmetric Lamb wave mode; generating (14) the selected high-order symmetric Lamb wave mode in the plate structure using one or more first ultrasonic transducers attached to the plate structure; detecting (16) the generated high-order symmetric Lamb wave mode using the 0 one or more first ultrasonic transducers or one or more second ultrasonic transducers attached to the plate structure; comparing (18) arrival times of the detected high-order symmetric Lamb wave mode with a set of baseline signals to determine the depth of the localised thinning in the plate structure; and analysing (20) the arrival times of the detected high-order symmetric Lamb wave mode reflected from an edge of the localised thinning to determine the location of the localised thinning in the plate structure.