Project Outline
Ultrasonic arrays are now widely used to perform non-destructive testing (NDT) on engineering structures. Current approaches are based on the detection of a critical defect with a set confidence level, typically 90% probability of detection.
Working closely with the Dyson Institute, this project aims to take a radically different approach and integrate the array images with structural integrity assessment to predict remine life directly. This means developing probability metrics that can be attached to the array images and using these, along with models of crack propagation, to produce statistical distributions of remaining life.
In this way the project will create a new framework for assessing components/structures in which the NDT and structural integrity assessments are unified. This will be a significant improvement on the current methods which focus only on the worst-case scenario.
Objectives
- Create forward models of the processes.
- Develop inversion methods to extract defect information from the scattering data.
- Explore the application of the framework to improving the assessment process.
- Use the new framework to predict the remaining life of some example (simple) structures and these will be used to validate the approaches.
Funding
Funded by EPSRC and the Dyson Institute. Minimum tax-free stipend at the current UKRI rate is £20,780 for 2025/26 and will increase each year, plus full-time home tuition fees. Dyson will contribute an additional £5k p.a. to the student.
Funding is allocated through a competitive allocation process.