Bristol BRAIN
Vantage System with Bristol BRAIN Analysis Software
What BRAIN is…
BRistol Array Inspection
- A software platform for Array Data Acquisition and Processing
- Designed around Full Matrix Capture (FMC) for NDT applications
- Generic user interface; modular architecture
- BRAIN is written in MATLAB
- Free download at: https://sourceforge.net/projects/bristol-brain/
- Follow Verasonics’ instructions for installation and compatibility
Optimized Image Captured with BRAIN from a Composite Block Sample with Inclusions inside.
BRAIN is an open-architecture software designed to be used interactively with the acquisition device for a variety of materials evaluation techniques, including:
- Full Matrix capture
- Half Matrix capture
- Plane Wave
- 3D TFM using 2D arrays
Imaging options:
- Contact TFM
- Contact B-scan
- Contact Sector scan
- Oblique incidence TFM (surface assumed flat)
- Immersion TFM through irregular interface
- Contact TFM for composites
- Defect sizing algorithms
- TFM immersion imaging through non-flat surfaces
Other unique benefits of BRAIN are the ability to evaluate anisotropic materials, and adaptive algorithms for characterization of materials with uneven surfaces.
Materials:
- Metals
- Plastics
- Composites
Using the Vantage system as the acquisition source for BRAIN provides specific advantages for material characterization:
- Unparalleled SNR
- Fast data transfer
- Long records
- Ability to control polarity
- Time-Gain compensation
- Higher bit depth
- Higher resolution
- Ability to control the tone burst on each channel
Requirements:
- MATLAB license
- Faster processing is possible with Parallel Compute toolbox, compatible GPU
For more information, contact Verasonics: [email protected]
See examples below of BRAIN software applied in reconstructions of volumetric imaging:
Sample: Composite Block Sample
Images Captured with BRAIN from a Composite Block Sample with Inclusions inside.
Non-Optimized Image
Optimized Image
Sample: Wavy Surface Steel Sample
Transducer: Imasonic 1D 64 elements, 5 MHz, 0.6 mm pitch
The steel block with several features embedded inside has a wavy surface profile which prevents ultrasonic examination using a typical contact scan. The sample was scanned through a water coupling layer (immersion test), and the image is reconstructed without (left), and with (right) “adaptive” beam-forming.
The adaptive beamforming takes into account the multiple speeds of sound in the acoustic path and the diffraction characteristics of the wavy surface.
Sample: Indicative steel weld sample
Transducer: Imasonic 1D 64 elements, 5 MHz, 0.6 mm pitch
The indicative aluminum weld specimen has controlled artificial defects embedded on the “fusion face” (weld walls).
The sample was scanned with an immersion test, and the image is reconstructed without (left) and with (right) “adaptive” beam-forming. The adaptive beamforming takes into account the multiple speed of sounds in the acoustic path and the diffraction characteristics of the wavy surface. With the adaptive beam-forming, the weld profile and fusion defects are both clearly shown in the image.
Sample: Aluminum Test Block
Transducer: Imasonic 2D matrix array with 128 randomly distributed elements, 3 MHz, 1.93 mm min pitch
The aluminum block is a test sample with multiple inclusions inside.
A
B
C
A contact scan using a 2D matrix array with random element distribution
produces a volumetric image showing the inclusions in all dimensions.
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