Qualification of the inverse problem of defect reconstruction using optimized mesh database

Source abstract

Purpose To propose a novel method for defect reconstruction in electromagnetic non‐destructive testing (NDT). Design/methodology/approach The inversion method is based on an optimized database that contains the measured signals for some predefined defect prototypes. The database is supported by an anisotropic simplex mesh, which has been generated adaptively in the abstract n‐dimensional space, spanned by the model parameters of the defect type. The actual reconstruction reduces to a mesh search and interpolation. The described theory is demonstrated in the paper by a solved NDT test problem. Findings We have realized that in addition to sole defect reconstruction, the database provides meta‐information about the quality of the inversion, the suitability of the chosen defect model parameters, as well as the capabilities of the testing experiment. Research limitations/implications Defect models having several parameters require a sophisticated mesh generation algorithm, which works in higher dimensions. Originality/value In the authors' opinion the mesh database approach offers a totally new point of view of a given inverse problem, and may help in the better understanding of its nature.