FUSION OF ULTRASONIC C-SCAN DATA WITH FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Author

Olanrewaju Ari Adeniyi, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

8-1-2012

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Chu, Tsuchin

Abstract

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Olanrewaju Ari Adeniyi for the Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Energy Processes presented June 2012, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale Title: FUSION OF ULTRASONIC C-SCAN DATA WITH FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS Major Professor: Dr. Tsuchin Philip Chu Ultrasonic testing is a highly valued method in the field of Non-destructive testing (NDT). It is an engineering tool that allows for non-invasive testing and evaluation. It is used widely in the aerospace industry to determine the integrity of complex materials without the use of destructive measures. This method of testing can be utilized to provide multitude of parameters such as material properties and thicknesses. It can also be used to test for discrepancies in test specimen such as voids, impurities, delamination and other defects that could degrade the integrity of a structure. The problem is that this method is limited in the area of evaluation of end results. Results are generated in the form of data images and are evaluated for quality or quantitative image assessment. Simulation models are created from an image, which causes low accuracy of analysis. The integration of Ultrasonic C-scan data with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) addresses these issues. It allows for models to be generated from Ultrasonic C-scan data, which provides the means to conduct accurate FEA simulations. The fusion of Ultrasonic C-scan data with computational methods, such as FEA, allows tested materials to be subjected to loading conditions that may be experienced in actual use. The results from FEA analysis can provide localized stress and strain fields generated from the loading conditions. The success of this analysis relies on the ability to generate high quality C-scan data to create accurate CAD data models. The generation of high quality scans will produce vital analysis information such as material properties, thickness, voids, surface inclusions and other critical deformities, all which will be used to generate a CAD analysis. With the ultrasonic data generated, finite element analysis can be utilized to further evaluate tested specimen. This technique has been applied to an isotropic aluminum block standard and an anisotropic Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer sample, both with known defects.