Session: Poster & Student Poster Session

Paper Number: 164408

164408 - Advanced Paut(fmc, Pwi, Pci) Simulation for Far-Side Inspection of Austenitic Stainless Steel Welds 

Abstract: 

Recent research has focused on improving examination volume for far-side ultrasonic testing of austenitic stainless steel pipe welds in nuclear power plants. In this study, we fabricated butt-welded specimens using ASTM A-358, Grade 304 plate, incorporating notches with depths of 10, 20, and 30% of the wall thickness, positioned at various locations within the weld and extending to the edge of the examination volume. Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) was performed using a 5 MHz, 64-element transducer and a 70-degree longitudinal wave wedge. Data were acquired and analyzed using PA mode, total focusing method (TFM), phase coherence imaging (PCI), and plane wave imaging (PWI) techniques. Furthermore, a simulation-based Virtual Mock-up was generated to account for the anisotropic characteristics of the weld, where refraction, attenuation, and scattering of ultrasound occur in a complex manner. Using this mock-up, simulations of Phased Array (PA), Total Focusing Method (TFM), Plane Conversion Imaging (PCI), and Plane Wave Imaging (PWI) techniques were conducted, mirroring actual experimental procedures, to comparatively analyze defect detection performance in Far-side ultrasonic testing. While Far-side defects were generally detected by all techniques, the signal from a 10% through-wall height defect located at the far end of the inspection volume was barely discernible. The PCI technique demonstrated the most superior defect detection capability.

 

Presenting Author: Hyunjun Kim Seoul National University of Science and Technology

Presenting Author Biography: Hyunjun is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Non-destructive Testing (NDT) at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, South Korea. His research is focused on developing advanced Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing methodologies and signal analysis strategies to enhance defect detection accuracy and reliability, particularly for nuclear power plant applications. He aims to integrate innovative simulation techniques with artificial intelligence to advance the field of ultrasonic NDT

Authors:

Hyunjun Kim Seoul National University of Science and Technology
Dongchan Kang NDT Research Center,Seoul National University of Science and Technology
Ik Keun Park NDT Research Center, Seoul National Universityof Scienceand Technology
Dong Ryul Kwak NDE Engineering Group, Central Research Institut, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co.
Young Lae Kim NDE Engineering Group, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. Central Research Institute