Automatic Methods for Ultrasonic Scanning Paths Generation

Abstract

This paper presents the last evolutions of a program developed in 2020 for the automated generation of optimal scanning paths for 0°LW ultrasonic inspections of complex parts. After summarizing the overall concepts of the path generation method, the paper presents two new algorithms (side following path and side/radius interpolating path) recently developed for specific geometries such as long and thin parts, or parts including nonparallel radii. Trajectories automatically generated by the software are then presented for a collection of various aerospace and industrial CFRP components. The results show that the software was able to generate optimal paths for all the tested geometries, using the part’s 3D surface CAD and the probe’s characteristics as only inputs. In particular, the addition of the new algorithms allows for the generation of satisfactory trajectories even for the parts that were previously problematic.