Researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de València (Valencia, Spain) have developed a non-invasive means of determining the general state-of-repair of all kinds of materials in real time, which can help avoid potential safety issues.
The technique is based on advanced signal processing techniques, and it analyzes signals obtained from the ultrasonic inspection of materials being tested. Variations in this parameter are indicative of possible damages, the researchers say. By running different frequency ranges, they believe it is possible to know the internal structure of the material and quantify the extent of the damages much more precisely than using traditional techniques.
Researchers say this technique is more competitive than those currently being used, such as measuring speed and attenuation. It has several advantages, including the assessment of overall damages to a material. Additionally, the measurement parameter is normalized between 0 and 1, making it easier to understand results.
The technique has multiple possible applications, including aeronautics. It could also be applied in naval and motor engineering for the continuous monitoring of fuselage. Furthermore, in the field of civil engineering and construction, this method can be used to detect damages in bridges, inspect pillars and resistant elements in buildings, and assess defects in constructions affected by natural disasters, or corrosion in the marine environment, according to the researchers.
Other possible fields of application include state control of industrial sites, the inspection of energy transportation systems like oil or gas pipelines, and even quality control for 3D printing parts.
Researchers say the invention also contributes to the evolution of non-invasive tests, making them independent of both the material being inspected and the calibration of the unit.