Two-Dimensional Arrays for the Quantitative Characterisation of Complex Defects
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Abstract
Recent years have seen a rapid increase in the interest in arrays for NDE. Their advantages include increased flexibility, as one array probe can undertake many inspections, increased speed of imaging and increased coverage from a given location. However, current NDE systems utilise mainly 1-Dimensional (1D) arrays and so are limited to obtaining a 2-Dimensional (2D) image. 2D arrays offer the potential to image in all three dimensions. This has clear benefits as real defects and engineering structures are three-dimensional / for example defects such as cracking and inclusions in welds are of arbitrary shape and can occur in arbitrary orientations. 2D arrays are able to 'view' a given defect form a range of angles leading to the possibility of obtaining characterisation detail far beyond what is currently achievable. However there are a number of obstacles currently stifling the application of 2D arrays to NDE. Firstly, how should 2D arrays be designed with a low enough number of elements to be practically viable? Secondly, how should the vast amount of data potentially obtainable be minimised and processed? Thirdly, given these practical limitations, what imaging and characterisation performance can be achieved? This project will address these issues by developing a modelling suite to optimise array design, investigating a range of data management and signal processing techniques to make the most efficient use of the data, incorporating recently developed piezoelectric and passive materials into the array design and optimising 2D array manufacture for NDE. This proposal is being submitted within the UK Research Centre in NDE to the targeted research programme, the funding for which is earmarked by EPSRC for industrially driven research.
Organisations
- University of Strathclyde (Lead Research Organisation)
- National Nuclear Laboratory (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Shell Global Solutions International BV (Collaboration)
- Rolls Royce Group Plc (Collaboration)
- Airbus Group (Collaboration)
- University of Bristol (Collaboration)
- Rolls-Royce (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Airbus (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Serco (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Shell (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
Publications
Sivaram Nishal Lesley Ramadas (Author)
(2011)
Conformally mapped 2D ultrasonic array structure for NDT imaging application
Harvey G
(2009)
Flexible ultrasonic transducers incorporating piezoelectric fibres.
in IEEE transactions on ultrasonics, ferroelectrics, and frequency control
Dziewierz J
(2010)
HEXAGONAL ARRAY STRUCTURE FOR 2D NDE APPLICATIONS
Graeme Hawker (Author)
(2014)
Modelling the effect of maintenance strategies and reliability for long-term wind yield assessment
Sivaram Nishal Ramadas (Author)
(2009)
Tapered transmission line technique based graded matching layers for thickness mode piezoelectric transducers
Description | - Key components for the manufacture of 2D arrays have been established. - 2D hexagonal array configurations have been developed and design guidlines produced. - A sparse array configuration based on the mathematical principles of conformal mapping has been devloped. - CUDA based software running on GP-GPU architecture offers significant potential for real-time processing and visualisation of 2D array data sets. |
Exploitation Route | Excellent opportunities to engage in the design of bespoke 2D ultrasonic array transducer configurations for NDE applications. 2D array geometries and manufacturing techniques have been developed and support software packages are available. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Energy Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £200,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/H001387/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2010 |
End | 03/2013 |
Description | EPSRC |
Amount | £263,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/I021027/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2011 |
End | 07/2014 |
Description | KTP Programme Office |
Amount | £121,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | KTP007806 |
Organisation | Knowledge Transfer Partnerships |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2010 |
End | 06/2012 |
Description | Technology Strategy Board |
Amount | £160,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 1010_CRD_TI_CRD_45270 |
Organisation | Innovate UK |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2011 |
End | 07/2014 |
Description | University of Strathclyde's Advanced Nuclear Research Centre |
Amount | £360,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Babcock International Group |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2018 |
End | 01/2020 |
Description | Joint research with University of Bristol |
Organisation | University of Bristol |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from University of Bristol |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Project partnership with Airbus UK |
Organisation | Airbus Group |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Airbus UK worked with the research team and assisted/contributed to the project outcomes |
Collaborator Contribution | Industrial steer at project meetings. |
Impact | A range of signal processing algorithms for ultrasonic inspection of difficult materials. |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Project partnership with National Nuclear Laboratory |
Organisation | National Nuclear Laboratory |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | National Nuclear Laboratory worked with the research team and assisted/contributed to the project outcomes. Engaged in several projects both research and KE on transduction, inspection and automation. |
Collaborator Contribution | Industrial steer at project meetings |
Impact | A range of signal processing algorithms for ultrasonic inspection of difficult materials. Bespoke ultrasonic and electromagnetic inspection approaches. |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Project partnership with Rolls-Royce PLC |
Organisation | Rolls Royce Group Plc |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Rolls-Royce PLC worked with the research team and assisted/contributed to the project outcomes |
Start Year | 2008 |
Description | Project partnership with Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited |
Organisation | Shell Global Solutions International BV |
Department | Shell Trading & Shipping Company |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited worked with the research team and assisted/contributed to the project outcomes |
Collaborator Contribution | Industrial steer in project meetings |
Impact | A range of signal processing algorithms for ultrasonic inspection of difficult materials. |
Start Year | 2008 |