Segmented Magnetostrictive Sensor Array for Guided Wave Mode Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetostrictive pipe inspection methods fail to distinguish between axisymmetric and flexural wave modes, rendering structural features like welds indistinguishable from metal-loss defects, and cannot determine the circumferential extent or location of metal-loss defects.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing segmented magnetostrictive sensors with individually controllable pulser/receiver coil circuits and a bias magnetic field for active or synthetic phased-array focusing of guided waves, allowing for the generation and reception of flexural wave modes, enabling the differentiation of structural features from material defects and determining the circumferential location and extent of defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional non-segmented dual-element sensors are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to separate wave modes and locate defects circumferentially is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple segmented magnetostrictive elements, each capable of independent actuation and sensing. This segmentation allows the system to separate different wave modes (axisymmetric and flexural) and determine the circumferential location of defects by analyzing which segments receive reflected waves first.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a circumferential dimension to the sensor array by arranging magnetostrictive elements around the pipe circumference. This dimensional expansion enables the system to not only detect defects axially but also to locate them circumferentially, providing two-dimensional defect mapping capability.
2Loss of information
If conventional magnetostrictive methods are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to determine circumferential extent of defects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensor segments to determine circumferential defect characteristics. By analyzing the timing and amplitude of reflected waves at different circumferential positions, the system can calculate the circumferential extent and location of defects, providing comprehensive defect characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by using phased-array focusing techniques to direct wave energy toward specific circumferential regions before inspection. This allows the system to pre-position wave packets at desired locations and systematically scan around the pipe circumference to map defect locations.
3Reliability
If axisymmetric wave modes are used, then the ease of manufacture is maintained, but the ability to distinguish structural features from defects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameters of wave generation by controlling the timing and phase of excitation signals to different magnetostrictive segments. By varying these parameters, the system can generate both axisymmetric and flexural wave modes, allowing differentiation between structural features (which produce axisymmetric reflections) and defects (which produce flexural reflections).
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 approach improves signal-to-noise ratios, enhances sensitivity, and provides accurate sizing capabilities, allowing for the effective identification and localization of defects in hollow cylindrical structures and plate-like structures.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetostrictive effect refers to the tendency of a ferromagnetic material to change shape when subjected to a magnetic field. By controlling the time-varying properties of the magnetic field, the magnetostrictive material can be made to oscillate in such a fashion as to generate a propagating guided wave.
Implementation Method 2
the inverse magnetostrictive effect to receive guided waves directly in the structure being inspected
Implementation Method 3
The at least one strip of ferromagnetic material is induced with a bias magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes at least one strip of ferromagnetic material and a plurality of pulsing/receiving coil circuits. The at least one strip of ferromagnetic material is induced with a bias magnetic field and is coupled to a surface of a structure under test. The plurality of pulsing/receiving coil circuits are aligned with a surface of the at least one strip of the ferromagnetic material. The plurality of pulsing/receiving coil circuits are individually controllable by a number of channels to excite guided waves in the structure under test using at least one of active phased-array focusing or synthetic phased-array focusing of the guided waves.