Solution of inverse problems in electromagnetic NDE using finite element methods

This paper presents a technique for solving inverse problems in magnetostatic nondestructive evaluation (NDE), using finite element models. In-line inspection of ferromagnetic gas pipelines containing pipe-wall defects, is chosen as the candidate NDE process. The signal inversion technique consists of iteratively solving the forward problem by updating the finite element mesh, rather than the material properties of the finite elements. Preliminary simulation results obtained using a 2D finite element model are presented. Index Terms: Inverse Problems, Nondestructive Evaluation, Magnetostatic Methods, Signal Inversion, Defect Characterization.