Spatial Correlation Coefficient Images for Ultrasonic Detection

Raina Cepel, K. C. Ho, Brett A. Rinker, Donald D. Palmer, Jr., Terrence P. Lerch, and Steven P. Neal

ABSTRACT In ultrasonics, image formation and detection are generally based on signal amplitude. In this paper, we introduce correlation coefficient images as a signal-amplitude independent approach for image formation. The correlation coefficients are calculated between A-scans digitized at adjacent measurement positions. In these images, defects are revealed as regions of high or low correlation relative to the background correlations associated with noise. Correlation coefficient and C-scan images are shown to demonstrate flat-bottom-hole detection in a stainless steel annular ring and crack detection in an aluminum aircraft structure.

Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/TUFFC.2007.468

© 2007, by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. All rights reserved.

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