A knowledge‐based framework for planning non‐destructive evaluation

Abstract

Abstract: A knowledge‐based system (KBS) could be an ideal decision tool to reduce the complexity of planning non‐destructive evaluation (NDE) or scheduling inspections. Such a KBS would have to evaluate the advantages and limitations of each available technique, given the specificity of a problem, and incorporate the fundamental knowledge derived from failure analysis. The KBS should include topics such as materials vs. defect size and type, probability of failure, and basic reliability information. In order to organise knowledge of materials degradation efficiently, the parameters that control various forms of failure first have to be rationalised in a general framework. This framework and their factors would then constitute a quantitative and easily programmable description of the independent variables controlling the intensity of a failure. This paper describes such a framework which could guide the general selection of NDE for materials failure, with a particular emphasis on corrosion related failures. The framework architecture itself was constructed using an object‐oriented methodology for maximum flexibility, since it was anticipated that the materials parameters could easily be described as multidimensional objects.