Data-processing algorithms for automatic operation of ultrasonic systems with coherent data processing

Two algorithms for the automatic determination of flaw parameters during ultrasonic testing of welded joints with a high level of structural background noises are considered. The experimental data collected in the course of automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) using Avgur series with coherent processing of data (Avgur 4.2 and Avgur 5 systems) and the results of the assessment of nondestructive testing data are used. The first algorithm is used to identify zones where flaws may be located. This algorithm is applied after running AUT in the search mode. If the parameters of the algorithm application are selected properly, this algorithm makes it possible to determine the coordinates and the conventional length of the identified flaws. The second processing algorithm is intended to determine the flaws actual length and height. For its operations the algorithm uses the images obtained from coherent data processing. Results of testing methods for automatic (computer) determination of flaw parameters are cited. These results are obtained by the Avgur system during testing of austenite welded joints in stainless-steel pipes with a diameter of 325 mm and in perlite-steel pipes of various diameters.Translated from Defektoskopiya, Vol. 40, No. 12, 2004, pp. 3–15.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Badalyan, Vopilkin, Dolenko, Orlov, Persiantsev.This revised version was published online in April 2005 with a corrected cover date.