Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique for the inspection of Railway Crossings (Frogs)

RailSAFT aims to develop an affordable and reliable Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), automated ultrasonic inspection technique for high manganese, wear-resistant steel rail crossover points (Frogs).
These are commonly used on the UK and global rail networks and are susceptible to in-service cracking due to high impact loads from rolling stock. The early detection of cracks at safety critical locations in rail is vital because they can propagate in service and may ultimately lead to failure with potentially catastrophic consequences. Flaws detected at an early stage in their growth cycle can be monitored/ assessed and repaired before risk of failure. Modelling & simulation methods will be used to develop algorithms for the precise control of the ultrasonic beam generated by phased array probes that are to be developed. Synthetic Aperture Focusing (SAFT) together with advanced signal processing will enhance Signal Noise Ratios thus improving defect detection in cast Frog rail sections.