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The Reflection of Guided Waves from Multiple Flaws in Pipes

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Abstract

Inspection of pipes and pipelines for corrosion is vital for their safe and cost effective operation. Ultrasonic guided wave inspection is a relatively new technique used for this. Recent research has advanced the technique so that it may be possible to characterise individual flaws, making guided waves a potentially viable alternative to direct examination where internal in-line inspection (ILI) is not feasible. However, corrosion often occurs in clusters and the presence of one flaw could affect the signals received from subsequent flaws. Therefore, the issue of multiple flaws must be dealt with if flaws are to be adequately characterised in the field. In order to address this, a semi-analytical modelling methodology has first been developed for the reflection and transmission of guided waves from a single flaw and then, this has been combined with an analytical model for wave propagation to extend it to simulate the reflections from two or more flaws. The semi-analytical model for two flaws has been validated by comparison with experimental data and verified against three-dimensional finite element simulations.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and the industrial members of TWI for providing the funding to make this work possible. The authors are also grateful for the guidance provided by Prof. David Hutchins and Dr. Duncan Billson of The University of Warwick, and Mr. Peter Mudge of TWI.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. TWI Ltd., Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AL, UK

    Ruth M. Sanderson

  2. Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction, Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK

    P. P. Catton

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  1. Ruth M. Sanderson
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Correspondence to Ruth M. Sanderson.

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Sanderson, R.M., Catton, P.P. The Reflection of Guided Waves from Multiple Flaws in Pipes. J Nondestruct Eval 32, 384–397 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10921-013-0192-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10921-013-0192-x

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