Nondestructive Testing Of Tubes Research Articles

Development and validation of a 3D model dedicated to eddy current non-destructive testing of tubes by encircling probes

A numerical model dedicated to the simulation of external eddy current in- spection of tubes from the outer diameter surface has been developed. Calculation of the primary field, including tilted and off-centre encircling coils configurations, is devel- oped thereafter using splines functions for multivariate integration. Simulation results are compared to laboratory controlled data for a centered probe testing a non-magnetic tube affected by a volumetric flaw. Experimental validation is also conducted in the case of an off-centre probe in real industrial conditions.

Non-destructive testing of tubes using a time reverse numerical simulation (TRNS) method

A method for the detection of defects in cylindrical structures and the determination of their positions and orientations is presented in this paper. The scattered field, which is generated by the interaction of excited guided waves with a defect, is evaluated with an approach named time reverse numerical simulation method (TRNS). Since the excited waves and the scattered field propagate along the sample, the time-consuming scanning of the whole tube can be eliminated. The scattered displacement field is measured in three dimensions over time with a laser vibrometer at different locations distributed equally around the circumference at a fixed axial coordinate far away from the defect. Instead of analyzing the complicated time signals directly, they are played back in time. If the recorded displacement histories of the scattered field are reversed in time and played back in an identical structure, the waves travel back the same path and interfere to a maximum at their origin. The result is an amplitude increase at the position of the defect where the scattered field was generated. Instead of playing back the recorded time signals in an experiment, this step is replaced by a numerical simulation. Only this enables the visualization and detection of the amplitude increase. As long as the simulation is of high accuracy, the position of the maximum interference corresponds exactly to the location of the defect in the experiment, although no defect is implemented in the simulation.

Laser generated and recorded transient bending waves in composite tubes

Propagating bending waves are studied in three different composite tubes by holographic interferometry. A conical mirror is placed axially inside the tubes. Axial illumination and observation directions make it possible to view the circumference of the tube, with a high sensitivity to radial deformation. It is shown how the deformation field can be numerically evaluated using a phase stepping and unwrapping technique. Transient bending waves in the tubes are both generated and recorded by the same pulsed laser, which makes the experiments easy to perform. Finite element simulations of the impacted tubes are compared to corresponding experiments. Both the geometry and the material properties of the tubes affect the wave propagation. For unidirectional composite tubes, the 0-deg and 90-deg directions have different dynamic behavior. The proposed method could be used in nondestructive testing of tubes.

An inverse analysis for crack identification in eddy current NDT of tubes

This paper presents an inverse analysis for crack identification in eddy current nondestructive testing of tubes. The finite element modeling of axisymmetric eddy current phenomena is based on the formulation of the energy functional with the magnetic vector potential. An optimization algorithm in the inverse process employs the objective function expressed in terms of the impedance change of a differential probe which consists of two coils. The proposed method is applied to a simple axisymmetric model with a crack made arbitrarily. >

The nondestructive testing of tubes and pipes for nuclear application

The directive of the Reactor Safety Commission demands for all materials which are provided for the pressure bearing enclosure of the refrigerant a nondestructive testing with sufficient sensibility. The specification 3201.1 for nuclear application as well as company-internal rules of important manufacturers regulate the requirements derived from the above direction for the NDT of tubes and pipes. For an objective and reproducible testing, equipments with defined characteristics are employed. based on internal specifications, testing equipments are fabricated and then checked with a special computerized test system. Moreover probes are controlled with regard to their acoustic and electric properties. The NDT of heat exchanger tubes and of pipes is given here as an example: Heat exchanger tubes: The tests include the inspection of longitudinal and transverse defects, wall thickness, dimension and tightness. In connection with the NDT, defect catalogues are set up. By this means the chosen test sensitivity is verified, and so the high quality of the tubes is assured. Specially developed eddy-current methods prove that such tested tubes are free of corrosion-causing phases. Pipes: The pipes are tested for longitudinal and transverse defects, for laminations and for wall thickness. To fulfil the demand for an objective and reproducible testing, there was developed and installed an automatic, computer-controlled ultrasonic equipment with 40 probes. Development trends: For the NDT of heat exchanger and boiler tubes an electrodynamic excited ultrasonic test system is evolved which is also able to test curved and installed tubes. The sophisticated testing technology is completed by a qualified education and training of NDT personnel.

New developments in non-destructive testing of tubes

New developments in non-destructive testing of tubes