FLAW CLASSIFICATION IN WELDED PLATES EMPLOYING A MULTIDIMENSIONAL FEATURE-BASED DECISION PROCESS.

Flaw classification in a double-V welded plate is discussed with emphasis on separating porosities, slags, cracks, and lack of fusion from each other. Going beyond the techniques employing time-domain signal analysis, some new tools using an echo-dynamics spatial profile are introduced. An improved location-analysis procedure is also introduced. The techniques are tied together by employing a feature-based methodology in a multidimensional feature decision process. Good results are obtained. Technology transfer potential to other weld configurations and defect types is very promising.