Abstract: A System includes: a probe assembly that acquires non-destructive test data at a plurality of positions on an object; and a processor circuit, the processor circuit configured to: generate reference images corresponding to the plurality of positions based on the acquired non-destructive test data; select a candidate image from among the reference images, the candidate image associated with a position from the plurality of positions; determine similarity scores between the candidate image and at least a subset of the remaining reference images; identify, based on the similarity scores, a reference image from among the at least a subset of the remaining reference images for comparison with the candidate image; and detect an anomaly associated with the object at the position associated with the candidate image utilizing a similarity threshold and a similarity score of the candidate image and the reference image.

Abstract: The present subject matter can include a flexible Eddy Current Array (ECA) probe assembly capable of conforming, without damage to the probe assembly, to complex profiles of structures under test, such as structures having curved portions extending in two orthogonal directions (e.g., where the structure being inspected can have a complex surface curvature in an index axis and in a scan axis). The ECA probe assembly can include slot structures extending through a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) assembly or other substrate, facilitating flexing or bending.

Abstract: An acoustic probe assembly can use an acoustic coupling wedge structure having an acoustically attenuating region integrated with the wedge structure, such as for use with a Dual Linear Array (DLA) transducer configuration or other acoustic inspection probe configurations. The acoustically attenuating region can be formed in the wedge structure such as using laser-based modification of the wedge structure subsurface. For example, subsurface laser engraving can be used to form a pattern (e.g., an array of cavities, bubbles, or regions otherwise having different acoustic propagation characteristics than a surrounding bulk of the wedge material).

Abstract: Examples of the present subject matter provide techniques to accurately size flaws using acoustic inspection without expending significant computing resources and time. Examples described herein include techniques to convert amplitude-based inspection images, such as TFM or phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) images, into sizing images based on Acoustic Influence Maps (AIMs).

Abstract: An acoustic inspection probe assembly can include or use a digital imaging camera to acquire images of a region under inspection. Respective acquired images can be stitched together to form a composite, such as to provide a composite that encompasses an area larger than an individual image amongst the respective acquired images. The composite can be aligned spatially or temporally (or both) with data or imaging corresponding to another non-destructive testing (NDT) modality, such as acoustic inspection or eddy current inspection.

Abstract: Non-destructive testing of an elongate object can include using an adaptable apparatus to support objects having different cross-sectional profiles. For example, an adaptable inspection fixture can support inspection probes for acoustic or eddy current inspection, as illustrative examples. Generally, the apparatus comprises opposing portions which are pivotable and connected by a linkage to maintain the opposing portions in a specified orientation relative to each other while permitting independent rotational orientations of each respective opposing portion such as to accommodate test objects. For example, the opposing portions can be substantially parallel across multiple configurations. Optionally, the apparatus can maintain a specified orientation of one or more radius probes with respect to an object under test.

Abstract: Data indicative of displacement of an acoustic probe assembly (or motion of an imaging aperture associated therewith) can be extracted from acquired acoustic echo data to perform motion tracking without requiring a separate mechanical motion sensor. As an illustrative example, a deterministic noise pattern associated with a particular probe location can be identified and motion of the noise pattern can be used to provide an estimate of probe assembly motion. Such an estimate can be used to facilitate imaging corresponding to multiple probe locations in support of acoustic non-destructive testing (NDT) such as in relation to Phased Array Ultrasound Test (PAUT).

Abstract: In acoustic inspection, if a probe assembly fails to maintain a controlled lateral position relative to a structure such as a weld being inspected, as the probe assembly is translated along a scan axis, a nearby flaw could be missed or mistaken for an earlier-observed feature. Apparatus and techniques described herein can assist in tracking the lateral displacement of a probe assembly relative to a region of interest such as an edge or centerline of a weld. Such a technique can, for example, be used to gate the received ultrasonic data or to update a presentation to a user, such as for updating an overlay (e.g., a weld template) and ruler position in an S-scan or other image representation.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is capable of detecting flaws in an object in a non-destructive manner. The probe includes a row-column addressed (RCA) array with a plurality of row and column electrodes. The probe can perform volumetric inspection of an object using the RCA array in different transmission and reception configurations.

Abstract: Examples of the present subject matter provide techniques for enhancing images taken from non-destructive inspection techniques, such as acoustic inspection. A source 3D data may be acquired representing an object. Rather than displaying the source 3D data, signal processing may be employed to enhance the flaws or defects in the source 3D data. A geometry template of the object may be created using the source 3D data. The source 3D data may be compared to the geometry template, and based on the comparison, an enhanced 3D image may be generated.

Abstract: Acoustic evaluation of a target can be performed using an array of electro-acoustic transducers. For example, a technique for such evaluation can include generating acoustic transmission events using different transmitting apertures, the apertures defined by corresponding zones along the array, the zones including multiple electro-acoustic transducer elements. In response to the respective acoustic transmission events. respective acoustic echo signals are received. Representations of the respective received acoustic echo signals are coherently summed. The coherently summing includes applying determined nominal element delay factors to the respective representations to approximate a virtual probe normal to a nominal shape of a surface of a structure being inspected. A pixel or voxel value is corresponding to a specified spatial location within the structure being inspected is generated using the coherently summed representations.

Abstract: Techniques for compensating the sensitivity variations induced by lift-off variations for an eddy current array probe. The techniques use the eddy current array probe coils in two separate ways to produce a first set of detection channels and a second set of lift-off measurement channels without the need to add coils 5 dedicated to the lift-off measurement operation.

Abstract: An eddy current probe assembly for analyzing an article is provided. The eddy current probe assembly includes a housing, an eddy current probe disposed on or within the housing, and a barrier layer. The housing has a coolant passage that extends into the housing and forms a loop within the housing. The coolant passage allows for coolant flow through the housing. The eddy current probe thermally couples with a first portion of the coolant passage at a first surface of the eddy current probe. The barrier layer is on a second surface of the eddy current probe opposite the first surface of the eddy current probe.

Abstract: Examples of the present subject matter provide techniques for compressive sampling of acoustic data. A probe may sample in a compression mode, such that the entire matrix is not sampled at full-time resolution or spatial resolution. Therefore, the initial amount of data captured by the probe is reduced, allowing for lower density hardware (e.g., fewer analog-to-digital conversion channels or related analog front-end hardware) to be used at a lower data rate.

Abstract: Examples described herein include adding a digital watermark into acoustic data. For example, the digital watermark data can be embedded using a key such that the watermark data is spread across a spectrum of the acoustic data. Thus, the data for the digital watermark may have no or minimal visible impact in the images generated using the marked acoustic data. The digital watermark may provide improved security and privacy. Moreover, the digital watermark may be incorporated into the reconstruction process of images.

Abstract: Examples of the present subject matter provide a calibration technique to configure inspection parameters directly on an object. The calibration technique may include a target device configured to be placed on a testing surface of an object for calibration. The target device may reflect acoustic waves transmitted from a transducer probe. The reflected acoustic waves may then be used for determining one or more characteristics of the object.

Abstract: A computerized method of image processing using processing circuitry to apply a previously trained machine learning model in a system for non-destructive testing (NDT) of a material is described. The method can include acquiring acoustic imaging data of the material, the acoustic imaging data acquired at least in part using an acoustic imaging modality, generating an acoustic imaging data set corresponding to an acoustic propagation mode, applying the previously trained machine learning model to the acoustic imaging data set, and generating an image of the material depicting a probability of a flaw per pixel or voxel based on the application of the previously trained machine learning model.

Abstract: A couplant feeding circuit is provided. The couplant feeding circuit has a first set of walls extending from a bottom surface and a second set of walls extending from the bottom surface and between the first set of walls. A membrane extends between the first and second set of walls such that the first and second set of walls along with the membrane form a couplant cavity. The couplant feeding circuit also has a couplant port disposed in one of the first or second set of walls that allows routing of couplant to the couplant cavity. Moreover, the couplant feeding circuit also has a vacuum port disposed in one of the first or second set of walls that allows removal of at least a portion of the couplant from the couplant cavity. Furthermore, the couplant port and the vacuum port form a closed loop within the couplant feeding circuit.

Abstract: A phase-based approach can be used for one or more of acquisition, storage, or subsequent analysis, e.g., A-scan reconstruction or Total Focusing Method imaging, in support of acoustic inspection. For example, binarization or other quantization technique can be used to compress a data volume associated with time-series signal acquisition. A representation of phase information from the time-series signal can be generated, such as by processing the binarized or otherwise quantized time-series signal. Using the representation of the phase information, a phase summation technique can be used to perform one or more of A-scan reconstruction, such as for pulse-echo A-scan inspection, or a TFM imaging technique can be used, as illustrative examples. In such a phase summation approach, time-series representations of phase data can be summed, such as where each time-series can be delayed (or phase rotated) by an appropriate delay value and then aggregated.