Institution news
Bruce will be discussing the advances of ultrasonic testing in order to better understand the size, position and nature of defects and how his research has been successful in overcoming the task of accurately characterising material defects. Ahead of the conference, we spoke with Bruce to better understand what the key challenges are and how current technologies are enabling NDT practitioners to better overcome these challenges.
Q: Could you explain your role and involvement in structural integrity assessment and/or NDT.
Bruce Drinkwater (BD): I am Professor of Ultrasonics at the University of Bristol. There I lead a group of 30 researchers, all working on various aspects of ultrasonics, particularly non-destructive testing applications. Our mission is to research the next generation of non-destructive testing technology. As non-destructive testing is a measurement science, much of our work is in performing very careful measurements and developing mathematical models of new inspections. This understanding then enables us to properly quantify things like the probability of detection or the sizing accuracy, which are critical for structural integrity assessments.
Q: What is the number one challenge for those using or benefiting from these technologies in today’s current market?
BD: The big problem I’m working on, and the topic of my talk, is defect characterisation. The challenge is to turn ultrasonic data into reliable information on the nature and size of the defect. Here I’m trying to understand the fundamental limits of the information contained in these signals and how it can be accessed. The information we obtain is a probability distribution of possible defects. The next stage, and we are still actively working on it, is to understand the implications for structural integrity.
Q: What is the most exciting development in this field at the moment, either within your company or in the industry in general?
BD: I think the next decade will see dramatic developments in permanently installed monitoring systems. Rapid progress is currently being made in the miniaturisation of sophisticated sensors, electronics and communications systems. In the future, the component will tell the operator when it needs replacing. But to do this the component must understand both NDT and structural integrity. These will be truly smart structures.
Q: Where do you see the future of NDT applications and approaches to structural integrity assessment going over the next 5 to 10 years?
BD: Our ability to simulate both NDT inspections and component life is improving rapidly. Over the next few years there is a big opportunity to gain a much deeper understanding of the influence of real defects on real structures. This understanding can help us make less conservative design decisions and/or increase inspection intervals. So, it’s an exciting time to be working in these fields.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at Structural Integrity Design and Validation Technologies 2018?
BD: The interface between NDT and structural integrity is a critical one. I think that our understanding of both has progressed significantly in recent years; I’m keen to hear views from both communities about how we can better work together. I’m also hoping it will generate the ideas to kick-start some new research projects.
About the conference
Structural Integrity Design and Validation Technologies 2018 will bring together experts from across the field of Non Destructive Testing (NDT), structural integrity, operations and maintenance. Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of NDT in context of different applications through various cross industry case studies, including Oil & Gas, Power and Rail. Join to learn about new and existing techniques, NDT reliability and validation, as well as real time monitoring solutions for hazardous environments or equipment that is difficult to take out of service.