Reconstruction of the images of reflectors from ultrasonic echo signals using the maximum-entropy method

It is proposed to use the maximum-entropy method (MEM) for processing ultrasonic echo signals for reconstructing images of reflectors with a high signal-to-noise ratio and a low level of “side lobes” of the point-scattering function. When processing echo signals, the pulse-propagation paths can be considered taking reflections from irregular boundaries of a tested object with the wave-type transformation into account. In model experiments, images of reflectors were obtained taking the refractions of rays at the rough surface into account, when echo signals were recorded both using an ordinary single-element transducer in the transceiver mode and an antenna array that recorded echo signals in the double- and triple-scanning modes. The reconstructed images have a resolution that exceeds the resolution according to the Rayleigh criterion. The MEM makes it possible to obtain images of flaws with low-level side lobes, when less than 10% of the complete set of echo signals are used.     

The use of an ultrasonic flaw detector with a phased antenna array for the recording of echo signals to reconstruct the images of reflectors by the method of projection in the spectral space

A method of automated ultrasonic testing based on the use of a PAA flaw detector for the recording of echo signals followed by the reconstruction of the image of reflectors by applying the 3D variant of the method of projection in the spectral space (3D-PSS) is considered. Customized setting of the PAA flaw detector makes it possible to simulate the operation of many single-element transducers with different angles of incidence. This approach allows one to obtain the images of reflectors with a high resolution and a high signal-to-noise ratio at a depth of more than 100 mm. A procedure for the calibration of an antenna array on a prism operating in the mode of emulation of several piezoelectric transducers with different angles of incidence is discussed. The results of a testing a fragment of the support billet for the ITER diverter when obtaining the images by the classical PAA method and with the use of 3D processing, which demonstrate the efficiency of the developed testing technology, are presented.     

Obtaining flaw images that take the effect of multiple ultrasonic pulse reflections from the boundaries of a test object into account

The problem of obtaining flaw images from echo signals multiply reflected from the boundaries of a test object and modifications of the FT-SAFT and SAFT algorithms for obtaining flaw images in a test object with plane-parallel boundaries are considered. The reason that a transducer operating on transverse waves in the transceiver mode cannot yield information on flaw location depth is stated. It is shown that the detecting signals in the double-scanning mode, obtaining a set of partial images by the SAFT method, and combining them into a final image allow one to solve this problem. To obtain a combined image, the moduli of partial images were summed and their median was calculated. Because of difficulties in determining the velocity of sound and the thickness of a particular object, the coherent summation, which is potentially the most efficient combining technique among the considered ones, does not allow one to obtain a high-quality image. The results of a numerical simulation of the procedure of obtaining images of point defects are presented. The results of model experiments aimed at obtaining an image of a 1-mm-deep groove in a 20-mm-thick metal slab are presented as well. It is shown that measuring echo signals in the double-scanning mode and obtaining images by the DS-M-SAFT method make it possible to determine the flaw location depth.     

Determination of the reflector type from an image reconstructed using echo signals measured with ultrasonic antenna arrays

The application of the digital image focusing (DFA) method to the determination of the types of detected reflectors is considered. For this purpose two antenna arrays (AAs) are used, which are placed on opposite sides of the reflector and using which echo signals are recorded in three acoustic channels in the double-scanning mode. The first and second acoustic channels transmit and receive echo signals using the first and second AA, respectively, and the third channel is tuned so that the first AA transmits pulses and the second AA receives echo signals. Using signals in each channel, many partial images can be reconstructed in a common coordinate system according to different acoustic schemes with allowance for both multiple reflections from irregular boundaries of a tested object and effects of transformation of the wave types. Combining partial images makes it possible to obtain a high-quality image, in which the entire boundary of the reflector is seen and using which an attempt to automate the procedure of evaluating the reflector size and determining its type was made. Such an approach allows one to reduce the subjective influence of an operator on the testing results. It is shown that in order to increase the image resolution, the spectrum of echo signals can be extrapolated by the spectrum splitting method jointly with the construction of an AR model of their spectrum. The results of model experiments that confirm the possibility of determining the reflector type are presented.     

Comparison of systems for ultrasonic nondestructive testing using antenna arrays or phased antenna arrays

This paper considers the features of forming the images of reflectors using phased antenna array technology and the images obtained by the C-SAFT method by echo signals measured in by double-scanning mode. It is shown that in some cases the images obtained by the phased antenna array technology are less informative, while the images obtained by the C-SAFT method have a higher frontal resolution over the entire area of image restoration; the partial images restored at different positions of the antenna array can be coherently combined to obtain a high and homogeneous resolution throughout the entire volume of thickwalled articles and increasing the signal/noise ratio. For the sake of brevity, the registration of echo signals in the double-scanning mode and restoration of the images of reflectors by the C-SAFT method will be called digital focusing by an antenna array (DFA). The ability to restore the partial images of reflectors by once measured echo signals according to many acoustic schemes with their consequent combination into one high-quality image should provide reliable automation of the process of recognition and dimensioning of scatterers. Another advantage of the images obtained by the C-SAFT method with three-dimensional focusing is the possibility of restoring images in the same coordinate system when using antenna arrays on prisms of different configurations. This facilitates the joint analysis of the images. Speeds of forming the images by the technology of phased-antenna arrays and the images obtained by the C-SAFT method are comparable. If the testing technique is based on the use of nonlinear effects, then in this case PA flaw detectors have a distinct advantage over DFA flaw detectors. However, within the framework of linear acoustics, PA flaw detectors have no fundamental advantages over DFA flaw detectors. It is fairer to say that PA flaw detectors have drawbacks. This article shows images that illustrate the features of the images that were obtained by PA and DFA flaw detectors.     

An electromagnetic model of a piezoelectric transducer

A one-dimensional electromechanical model of a piezoelectric transducer, which reproduces excitation of ultrasonic pulses in a product, reception of echo signals, and calculation of waves in all its elements (damper, protector, piezoelectric element, contact-liquid layer, etc.), is considered. The results of calculations of electric and wave processes in a normal ultrasonic transducer, when it operates jointly with a generator of probing pulses, are presented. Good agreement between the calculation and experimental results is demonstrated.     

Ultrasonic control of welded joints in a Du800-type pipeline. Part I: Restoring reflector images by digital focusing with an antenna

The reliability of ultrasonic nondestructive testing can be improved by acquiring reflector images that can be used to solve the defectometry problem, that is, to determine the type, size, and coordinates of a reflector deep in the sample. Welded pipelines with a diameter of 840 mm (Du800 type) are used at nuclear power facilities in Russia; ultrasonic testing of these pipelines is thus a topical problem. In model experiments, echo signals were registered by two antenna arrays, situated on the opposite sides of a welded joint (the N- and P-sides). The arrays performed scanning along and across the welded joint. The following techniques were used to reconstruct reflector images by the DFA method in a homogeneous isotropic medium: registering echo signals for all emission–reception combinations of elements in the two antenna arrays with the aim of merging partial images into a single image by different methods; reconstructing images on different acoustic schemes with allowance for wave-type transformation; and registering echo signals in a triple-scanning mode with subsequent coherent summation of partial images. It has been shown that the above techniques are insufficient for producing high-quality images.     

Using coherence factor to improve the quality of reflector images in ultrasonic testing

When running ultrasonic testing, it is possible to analyze reflector images that have been restored by the method of digital focusing with an antenna (DFA). To improve the quality of the reflector images, one can use a coherence factor (CF) or a sign coherence factor (SCF) obtained from the calculated delay times instead of counting echo signals. The images obtained with the calculation of the coherence factor make it possible to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and front resolution. It has been demonstrated by numerical and model experiments that reconstructing the CF- and SCF-images of reflectors is efficient when registering echo signals by both ordinary and thinned (TAA) antenna arrays, in which the distance between neighboring elements is much greater than the wavelength.     

The calibration of an ultrasonic antenna array installed on a wedge

A method that is proposed for calibrating an antenna array that is installed on a wedge provides refinement of the coordinates of the centers of piezoelectric elements. Precise knowledge of the coordinates will make it possible to obtain images in which reflections from reflectors will coincide with their actual positions with an accuracy no worse than a half wavelength. The calibration principle involves the minimization of the objective function that describes the difference between the antenna-array-measured echo signals from a 2-mm-diameter side drilled hole (SDH) at a depth of 12 mm and the calculated echo signals from the same hole. The algorithm operation was tested for echo signals calculated in the CIVA program. The calibration results for several antenna arrays on wedges and images of an SDH are presented, which were obtained using the method for digital antenna-array focusing (DAAF) for various acoustic systems.     

Calculation of the Bottom Signal of a Direct Transducer with a Rectangular Piezoelectric Plate

The dependence of the bottom signal of a direct transducer with a rectangular piezoelectric plate on the distance to a reflective planar plate is calculated using a two-dimensional Fourier transform. The calculations for piezoelectric plates with different aspect ratios are made using numeric integration. Results for rectangular and circular piezoelectric plates are compared.     

基于压缩感知的多角度观测光声成像方法

在光声成像过程中,由于各种限制因素,往往只能完成有限角度的信号采集.采集到的不完备的信号会在图像重构过程中产生伪迹现象,丢失细节信息.基于光声图像的稀疏特性,提出了基于压缩感知的光声成像算法.该方法通过2个单阵元超声探测器成角度采集光声信号,然后基于压缩感知重构算法进行光声图像重建并进行融合处理.仿真证明采用多个角度观测,选用合适的探头分布角度和测量矩阵可以有效弥补远场成像分辨率和减少测量次数,消除光声图像的伪迹现象,最终实现以较少的数据量和较简单的硬件设备实现高分辨率光声成像.     

基于PZT结Lamb波方向算法的损伤定位方法

基于Lamb波在板中的传播特性,针对复合材料的损伤检测,提出一种新型的损伤定位方法。该方法采用3个压电陶瓷片( piezoelectric transducers,简称PZT)组成PZT结,通过从各PZT中提取出损伤散射信号,找到其损伤波包到达的时间差,并依据Lamb波的传播速度得到位移差。首先,结合PZT结中各PZT的几何位置,具体推导出损伤方向算法,运用方向算法找到Lamb波在损伤位置发生散射后的其中一个传播方向,通过传播方向的交点来实现损伤位置的判定;其次,分析了互相关理论的基本原理,并运用互相关算法提取出损伤散射信号;最后,在碳纤维增强树脂基复合材料薄板上对该算法进行实验验证,求出了损伤方向以及损伤位置。验证结果表明,该方法能够对复合材料损伤进行有效的定位。     

基于Lamb波传播路径分析的复合材料板中缺陷成像*

板型波导结构中的缺陷对Lamb波的传播会产生干扰,接收信号受干扰程度与缺陷和激励、接收传感器路径间的相对距离有关。提出一种基于Lamb波传播路径分析的多频率数据融合缺陷检测方法,对复合材料板中缺陷区域进行成像。采用压电传感器进行Chirp信号激励,由Chirp激励响应计算出具有不同中心频率的Tone burst信号,为成像算法提供多频率缺陷信息。对各信号中首次抵达波的包络峰值进行分析,确定缺陷所在位置同激励接收路径间的关系。选择同缺陷所在路径具有相近Lamb波传播速度的路径作为关注路径,结合椭圆成像算法和该路径中的缺陷散射信号信息计算出缺陷所在的椭圆轨迹。引入椭圆轨迹计算误差容限,对计算得到的不同频率下的椭圆轨迹进行筛选,将筛选后的椭圆轨迹进行融合实现缺陷区域成像。通过对复合材料板中缺陷区域的试验检测,验证了所提算法的可行性。     

Application of the double-scanning method in ultrasonic nondestructive testing of metals for reconstruction of model defect images

The results of application of the double-scanning method for obtaining images of model defects during ultrasonic flaw detection in metals are presented. It has been shown in model experiments that, during reconstruction of flaw images, the amplitudes of parasitic reflections formed by echo signals, which were transformed and repeatedly scattered by inhomogeneities, decrease considerably. These properties of the double-scanning method may be useful in the practice of ultrasonic inspection of heavily loaded objects, especially in the case of the pressing problem of classifying the detected flaws. To identify the type of defects and determine their number accurately, it is desirable to use images obtained in both the double-scanning and transceiver modes. The images obtained during operation of a transducer in these two modes are compared.     

Obtaining flaw images by the SAFT method taking the variable velocity of sound in a test object into account

A modification of the SAFT method for obtaining flaw images in test objects containing three regions with different velocities of sound (SV) is proposed. Complex composite welded joints and repair welds are classified as objects in which the SV in a welded joint may differ from the velocity in a parent metal by >5%; therefore, a high-quality image of flaws can be obtained by taking different SVs into account. To solve this problem, a method for obtaining a test object with three regions with different SVs is proposed. The delays of propagating ultrasonic pulses were calculated using the Fermat principle. The results of reconstructing flaw images in a 300 welded joint from echo signals obtained as a result of numerical simulation by the finite-element method are presented. The images obtained by the SAFT method without taking different SVs into account are displaced from their true position, thus they do not allow determination of their coordinates and location. Consideration of different SVs allows one to obtain unshifted reflections of flaw images and, hence, evaluate the types and dimensions of flaws more accurately.     

基于经验与变分混合分解的超声回波信号噪声消除方法

超声缺陷检测结果易受超声回波信号中复杂噪声的干扰,为了提高超声缺陷检测的准确度,提出一种基于混合分解的 超声回波信号噪声消除方法。 采用经验模态分解算法结合相关系数指标对超声回波信号进行预处理,得到消除低频噪声分量 的超声回波预处理信号。 基于变分模态分解将该预处理信号分解为一系列窄带本征模态函数,引入互信息指标估计变分模态 分解的最优模态数量,并根据窄带本征模态函数与预处理信号的相关系数提取有用的模态分量,实现对超声回波信号去噪结果 的重构。 通过仿真和实测超声回波信号验证了本文方法的去噪性能,并与现有方法进行了对比。 结果表明,本文方法可同时消 除超声回波信号中的高频和低频噪声,在不同信噪比条件下 EMD、VMD 和本文方法去噪结果的 SNR 均值分别为 10. 01、9. 48 和 16. 09 dB,验证了本文方法对于超声回波信号噪声消除的优越性。     

Calculation of the Acoustic Field of a Direct Transducer with Piezoelectric Plates of Different Shapes

For a direct transducer with a circular piezoelectric plate, a comparative analysis of acoustic field calculations by the Helmholtz–Huygens and Fourier–Bessel formulas is performed. The equivalence of these calculations is demonstrated. A refined expression is obtained for the pressure on the transducer axis as a function of distance. The field calculations are also performed for square and triangular piezoelectric plates. A comparison of numerical results is carried out.     

Acousto-optical imaging of standing electromagnetic waves in multielement piezoelectric transducers of acoustoelectric devices

An acousto-optical method for monitoring the electric-field distributions in multielement piezoelectric transducers for microwave devices, when standard probe techniques are unsuitable, is described. The method is based on the recording of the intensity of laser radiation that is diffracted by acoustic waves emitted by separate elements of a transducer. This method allows close matching of the transducer to the feeding microwave section, the characterization of the spatial uniformity of the transducer-excited acoustic flux, and the measurement of the dispersion and deceleration of electromagnetic signals in the transducer.     

Ultrasonic tomography of metal structures using the digitally focused antenna array method

Physical principles and algorithms for reconstructing images of the inner structure of an object made of a solid material are considered. These are based on the pulsed echo method of ultrasonic testing using multielement antenna arrays focused on each point of the visualized region of the object by spatiotemporal processing of signals from a combination sounding of the object by all possible pairs of the antenna array. Substantial improvement of the image during testing of a plane-parallel object is obtained by using signals that are multiply reflected from the object boundaries; the use of different algorithms of image reconstruction is expedient for different types of discontinuity flaws.     

Coherent Reconstruction of Flaw Images during Detection of Echo Signals in a Separate Mode

The possibility of using a scheme for separate detection of echo signals for obtaining high-quality flaw images is substantiated. A conventional algorithm for obtaining images by the projection method in the spectral space and an algorithm for obtaining images that is not limited by the approximation of a plane incident wave are considered. Coherent storage of images reconstructed from echo signals, which were detected in a separate scheme but at different positions of the radiator (transmitter), reduces the speckle-noise level and increases the resolution of flaw images. Positive and negative features of these algorithms are analyzed. Numerical and model experiments have demonstrated the feasibilities of different schemes of detecting echo signals for obtaining flaw images.