Methods for the Determination of the Sensitivity of NDE Techniques.

Abstract : This report describes the work accomplished under a 12-month program conducted for the purpose of developing a model to translate the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) capabilities assessed from aluminum and steel specimens with simple geometries to equivalent detection sensitivity for specimens with complex geometries. The NDE methods include ultrasonic, eddy current, magnetic particle, penetrant and radiography. NDE reliability data base compiled under a previous NASA program was enlarged. An adaptive learning technique and a linear regression analysis were developed to establish the parametric relationships between inspection sensitivity and NDE parameters. Translation models were developed on the basis of the parametric study to translate inspection results obtained on flat plate specimens to equivalent results on specimens with more complex geometries. Results obtained in this program were limited to aluminum and the NDE techniques of ultrasonic, penetrant and eddy currents due to the inadequacy of the existing data. Data deficiencies were identified during the model development process. Based on the parametric study results and the translation models developed in the program, an optimum demonstration program was designed to evaluate the NDE capability of industrial facilities. (Author)