An ICT-Enabled Approach to Optimising the Reliability of Manual Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing

Manual Ultrasonic Testing (MUT) is the most cost effective NDT method for the in-situ inspection of aerospace structures, in particular composite structures. However, its defect detection reliability is low. Manual Ultrasonic Testing (MUT) reports may vary depending on the operator conducting the test. Its reliability is therefore greatly influenced by human factors. Nonetheless, MUT continues to play a key role in the NDT suite of techniques. Despite its simplicity, it often meets the required performance at a reduced cost. No mechanised system exists which is as dextrous as the human hand for moving a probe over complex shapes while also dynamically skewing the probe to achieve the maximum amplitude from a reflector. It is therefore worth looking at ways to improve the reliability of MUT.