Media kit
Distributed by Extende, the Civa software suite simulates industrial inspection techniques, from the most traditional to the most advanced. A new major edition is available since October 2021.
Thermography, new module
The new Civa 2021 version includes a new module for thermographic inspection. For this first version, Civa TT is presented in two tools: an inspection simulation module that allows to model a lamp thermography inspection (pulse, transient or lock-in techniques) and calculates the thermal response in a flat part with defects, and an induction heating module that provides the power density generated by electromagnetic inductors, available for different part geometries without defects.
CF inspections of GV tubes
The 2021 version of Civa also features a tool dedicated to the simulation of eddy current inspections of steam generator tubes. It is now possible to simulate complex configurations inherent to the CF inspection of SG tubes such as bends, buckling, section and radius deformations. The model can take into account external elements that affect the CF signal such as support plates (cylindrical, trifoliate, quadrifoliate), anti-vibration bars, deposits or clogging.
There are also many possibilities in terms of defect geometries, ranging from reference defect libraries to notches or grooves with complex profiles, combined defects and also wear. Defects can even be generated in the model based on vibrations from external objects. For this first version, the Tube GV module is for axial probes only. Based on a complete BEM 3D solver, this tool remains simple to use with an environment similar to the other modules and automatic meshing (while leaving the user an "expert mode" to refine or optimize the mesh).
Until now, Civa ET was essentially limited to canonical part geometries (plane, cylindrical). The field calculation module can now take into account more complex models including curvatures, edge effects or metal mass. The following geometries are available: 2D CAD, welds, blade root or groove, riveted plate or dudgeon. This is also a crucial first step before including these parts in the 3D inspection simulation module.
For the ultrasound part, Civa UT Analyse is now compatible with Olympus X3 systems. Multi-format, it already allowed to read and process Olympus acquisition files (*.opd, *.oud, *.rdt), EddyFi (Gekko and Acquire), TPAC (Prelude and TFM *.h5), as well as Zetec (via a text export). The PDF examination report has also been improved and expanded to include different data formats. Civa also offers the possibility to use segmentation for TFM data, and the TFM Profiler tool to generate DXF files of part profiles from TFM images.
"Coverage in sensitivity"
To help the preparation of planar scans, Civa UT integrates a new tool allowing to cumulate on an image the ultrasound beams for a given scan, taking into account the sensitivity to a certain defect orientation. This new "brick", intermediate between a field calculation and an inspection simulation, constitutes a new tool for the development of inspections.
Advanced features in TFM PA UT
Widely used, the TFM technique (all point focusing) is enriched with sensitivity mapping tools to help select the most relevant reconstruction modes, an often delicate choice. Several sensitivity algorithms are available ("See", Diffraction, "Rays Counting"). The interface has also been improved for the choice of modes and with the possibility to adjust the gain of each mode when combining.
In order to provide an alternative to users facing limitations of semi-analytical models, the FEM beam/defect interaction model integrated in Civa UT has been extended to include generating holes as well as planar defects and open cracks near complex surfaces or part bottoms. It is also possible to load an image in the FE grid editor to facilitate the drawing of realistic defects or part profiles.
Simulate new probes
The "Daisy" probe is now integrated as a new type of probe, opening more generally the possibility to simulate probes with mirrors. Civa also includes the possibility to model T0° probes (transverse waves at 0°), used in particular for inspections in concrete, by taking into account a tangential excitation direction different from the traditional model of solicitation in "Piston" mode available until now in Civa. The translator catalog also includes Olympus DLA and DMA probes in addition to the other separate transmit and receive probes already available.
The guided wave inspection module allows defining several types and areas of defects or discontinuities in flat extrusion parts. It is also possible to simulate complex defects, such as corrosion profiles for tube inspection simulations, based on the 3D finite element model. Not to mention the ability to calculate dispersion curves in anisotropic composite multilayer structures.
CT reconstructions made easy
In the RT-CT module, a direct link has been created with the image analysis software "ImageJ", in order to facilitate and improve the analysis of simulations. In the CT module, exporting the iso-surfaces of the reconstructed volumes in STL format is possible. The CT reconstructions can be performed directly in the main simulation after the RT projection calculations. CT simulations can thus be more easily controlled and performed in series using the batch manager. Users can also predefine the images they wish to save and their formats (raw, tiff, etc.).
Metamodels and parametric studies
Civa simulation is particularly well suited for quantifying the impact of influential parameters in NDT inspection for qualification purposes, or for control tuning or optimization studies. Metamodels are also available for multi-parameter studies and real-time sensitivity analysis. AND an animation allows to visualize the defined variation range in the 3D view.
In order to optimize the experimental designs, especially when several parameters are studied, the definition of the variation laws has also been improved (for example, automatic sampling for some variables combined with a variation scheme set by the user for other variables) and homogenized, in order to make a parametric study or a metamodel More options are proposed for the choice of the variables of interest to be extracted from the study. The optional Civa Script module also allows to customize this quantity via Python scripts.
The recent Civa SHM module is of course available in the 2021 version of Civa.
