A case for NDT expert systems based on the development of the Thermographic NDE Advisory and Guidance System

It is suggested that the development of expert systems that encapsulate the performance of novel or unconventional NDT techniques would be beneficial to practising NDT engineers needing to know if such a technique would solve a particular inspection problem. The Thermographic NDE Advisory and Guidance System is presented as an example of an expert system for an unconventional NDT technique. The system deals with the thermographic detection of in-plane delaminations of a specified size/depth, coating adhesion defects and internal wall thinning of fluid-filled pipes. The results of the system are presented concerning the detection of delaminations in carbon fibre composite adhesion at a titanium Nimonic interface and disbonds between paint and steel.