TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 812/2004
Ruth Sanderson looks at developing an FEA modelling approach for short range ultrasonic testing
Background
The work described in this report was undertaken as a 'TWI exploratory project'. This type of project investigates innovative ideas for new procedures or techniques that have the potential to enhance or extend the service that TWI provides to its Members.
The aim of this project was to develop the use of finite element analysis (FEA) of conventional (short range) ultrasonic testing (UT) to complement analytical software packages already in use at TWI. Finite element modelling has a wider scope of capability than an analytical solution but is yet to be proven for conventional UT applications. The use of finite element modelling could improve TWI's capability to study issues such as the effect of residual stress on crack closure, UT in the near field of the probe, UT of complicated defect shapes and UT in a structure made up of multiple materials.
Objectives
- To develop a finite element modelling approach for conventional (short range) UT.
- To perform some limited verification of the UT finite element model against fully validated analytical solutions.
- Comparison of the reflected pulse shape from FE modelling with the reflected pulse shape from the British Energy software.
- Comparison of the FE predicted reflection amplitudes with those predicted by the British Energy software.