Finite difference simulation of ultrasonic NDE methods for the detection and sizing of Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)

Although solutions for detection and sizing of longitudinal and circumferential cracks in pipeline walls exist, reliable detection and sizing of SCC in pipelines has been a challenge for Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) for many years. Detection and sizing are impeded by the fact that SCC can have very irregular morphology and can occur in random orientations. NDE as an industry on the other hand has suffered from the emerging of many new UT techniques and a difficult jargon, making easy understanding of the actual problems and solutions impossible for an outsider (i.e. the pipeline operator). This paper presents a novel approach to provide insight into the capabilities of common NDE methods using finite difference simulation software developed by RTD. Simulations are performed on the most common morphologies of SCC using the most commonly used in-the-ditch NDE methods. Using the parameters of the actual inspection procedure a picture is painted of what works and doesn't work about the most common ways of accessing SCC. © 2006 American Institute of Physics