Restoring the image of reflectors using the C-SAFT method during multiple reflection of echo signals from the boundaries of a cylindrical inspection object

A modified method of combined SAFT (C-SAFT) for restoring the images of reflectors is considered; it allows the multiple reflection of a pulse from the boundaries of the wall of a cylindrical inspection object. To verify the efficiency of the proposed algorithm, images of a crack were restored from echo signals that were calculated using the CIVA software package, which is intended for modeling the propagation and scattering of ultrasonic pulses. It was shown in a model experiment that the consideration of changes in the pulse phase during reflection from the inspection-object boundaries at various incident angles of an S-wave in the image-restoration algorithm increases the frontal resolution by more than two times. The consideration of five reflections from the inspection-object boundaries made it possible to obtain images of reflectors by the M-C-SAFT method using many acoustic schemes. The images allow one to determine the type of defects, as well as their dimensions and location in the depth of the wall of a pipeline that is 720 mm in diameter.