Infrared images data merging for plasma-facing component inspection

Abstract

The data merging study of the two infrared thermography non-destructive techniques on W7-X divertor targets allowed to improve significantly the sensitivity and reliability of detecting the fault size and location at the tile interfaces. This was possible due to the merging of infrared images. This original method of tile interfaces inspection has been validated using calibrated defects and then applied on fabricated components. The data merging method of infrared thermal images using the fuzzy logic method and Dempster-Shafer's model is presented in the paper.

Upgraded acceptance criteria from transient thermography control for the W7-X divertor target elements

“…Beside the data post-processing in terms of DTref max parameter, others advanced infrared image and data post-processing were studied and combined to handle information from SATIR by another way to obtain a more reliable results minimizing the global uncertainty. A data merging method [5] was chosen to process by combining information arising from different data-processing for a same source (i.e. thermo-signal SATIR).…”

Advanced qualification methodology for actively cooled plasma facing components

“…This original study, using fuzzy logic through a Dempster-Shafer model, showed detection improvement of LOCKIN and SATIR methods (figure 11). The data merging method is now in operation at CEA [13]. From the experimental know-how gained during the development of each individual NDE method, it will be possible to implement a data merging process with moderately reduced training.…”

Fabrication and testing of W7-X pre-series target elements

“…The principle is the detection of a delay in the surface temperature evolution introduced by an abrupt variation of the temperature of the water flowing in the cooling channel, which is compared to the response of a reference "defect-free" element. The reliability in the interpretation of the results of NDEs is being improved by the data merging method [13]. These approaches have limitations because they provide an acceptance criterion to characterize only the thermal and not the mechanical performance of the bond.…”