Damage Indicator Selection Under Measurement Uncertainty for Detecting Selective Leaching in Metal Pipes Using Ultrasonic Wave Pitch-Catch

Abstract

We develop a novel non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technique for detecting leaching damage using ultrasonic wave pitch-catch. This method combines guided wave propagation with advanced signal processing to detect leaching damage. In this method, ultrasonic guided waves travel from the actuator to sensor and interact with leaching damage on their path. The changes to the received wave signal due to leaching damage are quantified using three different damage indicators (DIs). Damage detection accuracy for these three DIs is investigated by conducting laboratory experiments on gray cast iron pipes. Leaching damage is induced in these pipes and piezoelectric transducers are attached to conduct ultrasonic wave pitch- catch and damage detection. For the three DIs, the most suitable DI that gives the highest sensitivity and specificity under measurement uncertainty is determined. Ultrasonic guided wave-based methods are found to be suitable for early detection of leaching damage detection.