Quantitative model-based approaches to inspectability and reliability
Donald O. Thompson and Lester W. Schmerr, Jr Centre for NDE, Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Iowa State university, Ames, IA 50011, USA
ABSTRACT
In current nondestructive testing practice, inspectability issues are normally treated from an empirical standpoint. Unfortunately, there are severe limitations to this approach, both in terms of cost and ability to reliably and quantitatively determine cost-and-effect relationships. It is now possible, however, to develop a new approach to NDE inspectablity that relies on a combination of models and standardized experiments. This new method is made possible by the development of NDE software measurement models that are able to predict the signals seen in NDE tests and that can be used to quantitatively study the effects of various measurement parameters on those signals. To date, such measurement models have been developed for three of the major NDE methods - ultrasonic, eddy currents and radiography. Another recent development has been the linking of these NDE models to CAD and the subsequent development of CAD-based NDE simulators. It will be shown how these new NDE tools can now provide design manufacturing, and in-service inspection teams with quantitative tools for addressing inspectablity and reliability issues within a comprehensive unified life-cycle engineering environment.
Publication Source: Trends in NDE Science & Technology; Proceedings of the 14th World Conference on Non-Destructive Testing, New Delhi, 8-13 December 1996.Vol. 1, pages 3 - 8 Publisher:Ashgate Publishing Company
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