Data fusion is a rapidly developing technology which involves the combination of information supplied by several NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) sensors to provide a more complete and understandable picture of structural integrity. This text is the first to be devoted exclusively to the concept of multisensor integration and data fusion applied to NDT. The advantages of this methodology are widely acknowledged and the author presents an excellent introduction to data fusion processes. Problems are approached progressively through detailed case studies, offering practical guidance for those wishing to develop and explore NDT data fusion further. This book will prove invaluable to inspectors, students and researchers concerned with NDT signal processing measurements and testing. It shows the great value and major benefits which can be achieved by implementing multisensor data fusion, not only in NDT but also in any discipline where measurements and testing are key activities.

This book describes efficient and safe repair operations for pipelines, and develops new methods for the detection and repair of volumetric surface defects in transmission pipelines. It also addresses the physics, mechanics, and applications of advanced materials used for composite repair of corroded pipelines. Presenting results obtained in the European Commission’s INNOPIPES FRAMEWORK 7 programme, it develops long-range ultrasonic and phased array technologies for pipeline diagnostics, and explores their interactions with discontinuities and directional properties of ultrasonic antenna array. The book subsequently shares the results of non-destructive testing for different types of materials applications and advanced composite repair systems, and characterizes the mechanical properties by means of fracture methods and non-destructive techniques. In turn, the book assesses the currently available technologies for reinforcement of pipelines, drawing on the experience gai ned by project partners, and evaluates the recovery of the carrying capacity of pipeline sections with local corrosion damage by means of analytical and numerical procedures. It develops an optimization method based on the planning of experiments and surface techniques for advanced composite repair systems, before validating the numerical models developed and experimentally gauging the effectiveness of composite repair with the help of full-scale hydraulic tests.

Non-Destructive Testing, Volume 4 contains the proceedings of the Fourth European Conference held in London on September 13-17, 1987. Contributors explore a variety of topics related to non-destructive testing (NDT), including ultrasonic techniques, ultrasonic systems, electromagnetic techniques, condition monitoring of plant and structures, and magnetic particle and penetrant techniques. This text is comprised of 98 chapters; the first of which describes an ultrasonic technique for the assessment of the fat content of live beef animals for breeding purposes. Attention then turns to measurements of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave attenuation in spheroidal graphite iron test pieces subjected to fatigue loads. The chapters that follow focus on ultrasonic imaging; dry coupling probes; an expert system for ultrasonic examination of fuel rods; engineering and medical applications of diagnostic ultrasound; and signal processing of 3D maps of eddy currents. The reader is also methodically introduced to automation of eddy current testing; the use of artificial intelligence in vibration-based health monitoring; automated inspection of magnetic particles; and the theory and practice of acoustic emission. This text concludes with a chapter that reviews the NDT research program of the National NDT Center of Harwell Laboratory in the UK. This book will be of interest to materials scientists, materials engineers, and metallurgists.

The need for this book arose from my teaching, engineering, and - search experience in the non-power aspects of nuclear technology. The lack of a comprehensive textbook in industrial applications of radiation frustrated my students, who had to resort to a multitude of textbooks and research publications to familiarize themselves with the fundam- tal and practical aspects of radiation technology. As an engineer, I had to acquire the design aspects of radiation devices by trial-and-error, and often by accidental reading of a precious publication. As a researcher and a supervisor of graduate students, I found that the needed literature was either hard to find, or too scattered and diverse. More than once, I discovered that what appeared to be an exciting new idea was an old concept that was tried a few decades earlier during the golden era of “Atom for Peace”. I am hoping, therefore, that this book will serve as a single comprehensive reference source in a growing field that I expect will continue to expand. This book is directed to both neophytes and experts, and is written to combine the old and the new, the basic and the advanced, the simple and the complex. It is anticipated that this book will be of help in - viving older concepts, improving and expanding existing techniques and promoting the development of new ones.