Rapid Defect Detection and Classification in Images Using Convolutional Neural Networks

Several image processing methods have been implemented over recent years to assist and partially replace on-site technician visual inspection of both manufactured parts and operational equipments. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have seen great success in their ability to both identify and classify anomalies within images, in some cases they do this to a higher degree of accuracy than an expert human. Several parts that are manufactured for various aspects of turbomachinery operation must undergo a visual inspection prior to qualification. Machine learning techniques can streamline these visual inspection processes and increase both efficiency and accuracy of defect detection and classification. The adoption of CNNs to manufactured part inspection can also help to improve manufacturing methods by rapidly retrieving data for overall system improvement. In this work a dataset of images with a variety of surface defects and some without defects will be fed through varying CNN set-ups for the rapid identification and classification of the flaws within the images. This work will examine the techniques used to create CNNs and how they can best be applied to part surface image data, and determine the most accurate and efficient techniques that should be implemented. By combining machine learning with non-destructive evaluation methods component health can be rapidly determined and create a more robust system for manufactured parts and operational equipment evaluation.