Recent Developments in Ndt Simulation

Since the beginning of the nineties, the CEA (the French Atomic Energy Commisssion), has been being developing ultrasonic modeling tools dedicated to NDT simulation and, over the years, integrated in the CIVA software platform. The models allow to compute ultrasonic beams generated by transducers in the inspected components, to conceive phased arrays transducers and to predict echoes arising from defects and boundaries. In the aim of fulfilling requirements of an intensive use, a twofold strategy has been put forward: i) the choice of semi-analytical approximated methods, and ii) the development of models integrated into modules usable by operators who are not simulation specialists. Over the years this approach is enriched by adaptations and improvements of the existing models or by new models, in order to extend the field of applicability of the simulation. In this communication, after having briefly described the main features of CIVA modeling approach we present several recent developments and examples of applications.