Computer-Aided Ultrasonic Inspection of Submarine Pressure Hulls (original) (raw)

1990, Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation

This computer-aided automated ultrasonic inspection and data collection system is designed for inspection of submarine pressure-hull parent plate and weldments. At present, field inspectors carry out unassisted inspections in which each indication is treated as an equivalent type of defect. Accordingly, the condemnation limit is based on the most serious defect type. A permanent record of inspections and the ability to identify defects according to type are the first priorities in overhauling the outdated submarine condemnation criteria. With reliable inspection and an interpretation of the significance of real defect type, comprehensive new criteria can be generated which will eliminate wasteful defect removal. As a consequence, submarine refit schedules should be shortened considerably. The system provides computer assistance to an inspector during manual ultrasonic inspection in four ways: * permanently recording the defect indications * mapping the location of flaws * displaying standard ultrasonic information during the test * sorting the indications as to type of flaw, with particular reference to cracks, slag and porosity (1). The system places substantial computing power at the work station to permit automatic data entry of raw ultrasonic signal data and documentation of procedures, setup and other information needed for subsequent analysis and for archival storage. This computing power also allowed other on-line computations including continuous determination of the transducer location in x-y format and on-line computation and decision-making as an assist to the inspector. In addition, a capability was required to store data for more detailed analysis by specialists in the NDT laboratory. Accordingly, waveform and x-y coordinates are simultaneously recorded upon operator command for later retrieval. SYSTEM OVERVIEW The system, designated APHIUS (Automated Pressure Hull Intelligent Ultrasonic System) combines a computer-based ultrasonic development and analysis

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