Reliability Demonstration for an Eddy Current NDE Technique Using A Computational Electromagnetic Model-Assisted Approach (Postprint)

摘要

Reliability studies in terms of probability of detection (POD) evaluation are a critical component of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) inspection system validation. POD studies provide engineers with data on the reliability of detecting cracks across a distribution of sizes that can be used as an input to probabilistic risk assessment analysis. Traditional POD evaluation methodologies are entirely empirical. In most cases, the cost of manufacturing the number of samples required for a traditional POD study is prohibitive and may delay or prevent a new inspection procedure or new technology from being implemented. A new strategy for the design and execution of POD studies has been discussed using a model-assisted POD (MAPOD) approach. A demonstration study is presented for a class of aerospace structural inspection problems and considers the use of computational electromagnetic models and new statistical analysis methods in the POD evaluation. The volume integral method was successfully used to simulate eddy current measurements for varying crack length around fastener holes in a two-layer aluminum structure. Good agreement was achieved between experimental and full model assisted (FMA) approaches.