Sensitivity Analysis of the Ultrasonic Response from a Non-Normal Surface-Breaking Crack

The use of computer simulations is becoming an increasing popular strategy for designing ultrasonic inspections. There are many benefits of accurate simulations, the most important one being their cost effectiveness. In many cases, before inspection procedures are finalized, it is possible to simulate the competing inspection plans, and to use the outputs of simulation trials to choose the best plan. This strategy is particularly useful when there is limited accessibility to the components that need to be inspected, as in the extreme case when the inspection procedure requires that operating equipment be removed from service. In such cases, it is best to be fully prepared before taking the inspection equipment to the test site and computer simulations can play an important role in such preparation, often at a significantly reduced cost with respect to traditional methods.