Time-reversal techniques for defect detection in pipe system using high frequency acoustic waves

Abstract

Recent research has shown that transient (acoustic)-based defect detection methods (TBDDM) in water pipelines are a promising new approach that may help achieve more sustainable urban water supply systems (UWSS). These methods are based on the generation of a probing pressure wave in the pipe system, and the use of the measured response to identify defects. This paper develops an analytical solution for sound propagation in inviscid axisymmetric pipe system with sound source at the boundary. The solution is given for rigid and elastic pipe wall. This analytical model is used to apply time reversal and match-field processing to the detection of blockages and leaks in a single pipe system. The wave forms used at the source are Gaussian-modulated sine wave and Chirp with frequency ranging from 5 to 60 kHz. The results show accurate detection with resolution of the order of the probing wave length.