Model-based source optimisation for eddy-current thermography in planar specimens using meta-modelling

Abstract : The design and optimisation of the eddy current source (coil and current signal) in induction thermography applications is not a trivial task due to the increased number of tuning parameters and the multi-physics nature of the problem. Numerical simulation can be a valuable aid for revealing the parameters with the highest impact to the inspection performance and consequently optimizing the excitation configuration. However, consideration of all possible parameters combinations can lead to excessive computational times. To overcome this problem, meta-modelling approaches in conjunction with sophisticated interpolators can be used, which allow nearly real-time evaluations in the optimization process. In this work, the optimisation problem for a two-dimensional inspection scenario will be presented together with the corresponding sensitivity study of the most influential parameters be resorting to a meta-modelling strategy