University of Surrey logo

White space

cornerline

cornerline

line SMME,
University of Surrey,
Guildford, Surrey,
GU2 7XH, UK

lineTel (01483) 879681
Fax (01483) 306039

Image processing for automated Non-destructive Testing

Imaging inspection techniques, such as ultrasound and radiography, are used in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of industrial components in order to locate any cavities, inclusions, lack of fusions and so on that may have been formed during the manufacturing process.

Advances in real time imaging methods, such as real time radiography (radioscopy) and robotic ultrasound scanning, are increasing the scope, speed and flexibility for on-line NDT. The counter result of these advances is that human NDT inspectors are increasingly unable to cope with the intensities, data volumes and speed of NDT cycles. In addition, some NDT tasks require that the inspection be done in situ - this may mean that an operator would have to placed in a remote, unpleasant or even hazardous environment.

The MSRR group, at the University of Surrey, have been investigating the potential uses of image processing and pattern recognition for semi or fully autonomous non-destructive testing for over 10 years. Most of this work has been directed at real time on-line inspection systems featuring the use of Digital Radiography (radioscopy) and Ultrasonic Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD) methods for data acqusisition. Much of this work has been directed at weld inspection though we do also have experience in processing of image data from castings/explosives inspection systems and have undertaken pilot studies into car alloy wheel inspection using radioscopy and even x-ray inspection of chicken pieces.

Our work has featured the development of fast, novel image processing operators for defect detection and expert systems for product quality assessment. We have also been involved in the assessment of whether neural network operators can be used to replace econventional image processing for defect detection.

The following specific articles are also available :-

- Summary of the final ultrasonic TOFD trials for the BRITE_EURAM project "NDT methods for flaw detection during welding".
(also published here on the OnLine Ultrasonic Journal).

- Summary of defect detection rates using automated TOFD interpretation software during welding.
(published in response to a question posted to the OnLine Ultrasonic Journal open forum, February 1998).

- References to pattern recognition in conventional UT.
(published in response to a question posted to the OnLine Ultrasonic Journal open forum, November 1998).

- References to TOFD ultrasonic testing.

- References to pattern recognition in industrial radiography..

Major areas of this work have been funded by the European Commission under the BRITE-EURAM II (Industrial and Materials Technologies) programme on an ongoing project BRE2-0319 ("NDT Methods for Flaw Detection during Welding").

Further information :-

For further information on this, and other automated inspection work, undertaken by the MSRR group contact: :-

Shaun Lawson

Go back to the MSRR Homepage

These pages are administered by Maarten Michielen (m.michielen@surrey.ac.uk)
All legal boffs please read this copyright and disclaimer notice.
Last change: April 2000