Quantitative NDE Using Imagery and Other Known Information about a Test Object

Abstract

Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) often requires learning about the state of the interior or surface of a test object without direct observation. Traditionally this has been done with limited means, often by applying simple acoustic, electromagnetic or illumination techniques. More recently, however, as needs for NDE have become increasingly demanding, more specific and highly quantitative, considerable attention has been given to improving the ability to interrogate a wide range of radiation types, both transmitted and reflected. A large part of this development has consisted of new sensors which transform received radiation into digital imagery or image-like data fields. Significant strides have also been made to effectively utilize and interpret the massive amounts of information contained in NDE imagery (e.g., a standard 512 pixel × 512 pixel computer monitor display contains over 250,000 elements). In fact, digital imagery techniques are widely recognized to be a key element in future NDE advancement.