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Distributed by Extende, the Civa software suite simulates industrial inspection techniques, from the most classic to the most advanced. A new major edition is available since October 2021.
Thermography, a new module
The new version Civa 2021 brings in particular a new module for thermography control. For this first version, Civa TT comes in two tools: an inspection simulation module that allows to model an inspection in thermography by lamp (impulse, 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 defect-free part geometries.
Inspections by CF of SG pipes
The 2021 version of Civa also has a tool dedicated to the simulation of eddy current inspections of steam generator tubes. It is now possible to simulate complex configurations inherent in the CF control of GV tubes such as hangers, dudgeonnages, section and radius deformations. The model can take into account external elements that affect the CF signal such as support plates (cylindrical, trifoliate, quadrifoliated), 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 depending on the vibrations of external objects. For this first version, the Tube GV module concerns axial probes only. Based on a complete BEM 3D solver, this tool remains easy to use with an environment similar to other modules and an automatic mesh (while leaving the user an "expert mode" to refine or optimize the mesh).
Until now, Civa ET was essentially limited to canonical geometries of parts (flat, cylindrical). The field calculation module now makes it possible to take into account more complex models including curvatures, edge effects or metal mass. The following geometries are available: 2D CAD, welds, foot or blade groove, riveted plate or dudgeonnage. It is also a crucial first step before including these parts in the 3D inspection simulation module.
For the ultrasound part, Civa UT Analysis is now compatible with Olympus X3 systems. Multi-format, it already allowed to replay and process acquisition files Olympus (*.opd, *.oud, *.rdt), EddyFi (Gekko and Acquire), TPAC (Prelude and TFM *.h5), as well as Zetec (via a text export). The PDF review report has also been improved and expanded to the various data formats. Civa also offers the ability to use segmentation for TFM data, and the TFM Profiler tool that allows you to generate DXF parts profile files from TFM images.
"Coverage in sensitivity"
To help the preparation of scan plans, Civa UT integrates a new tool to accumulate on an image the ultrasonic beams for a given scan, taking into account the sensitivity to a certain fault orientation. This new "brick", intermediate between a field calculation and an inspection simulation, is a new tool for the development of controls.
Advanced features in TFM PA UT
Widely used, the TFM technique (focus in all points) is enriched with sensitivity mapping tools to help select the most relevant reconstruction modes, often a 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 ability to adjust the gain of each mode during combinations.
In order to provide an alternative for users experiencing limitations of semi-analytical models, the FEM beam/defect interaction model integrated into Civa UT has been extended to generating holes as well as to flat defects and cracks leading to near complex surfaces or part bottoms. There is also the possibility of loading an image into the "FE Grid" editor to facilitate the drawing of defects or profiles of realistic parts.
Simulate new probes
The "Daisy" probe is now integrated as a new type of probe, opening more generally the possibility of simulating probes with mirrors. Civa also includes the possibility of modeling 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 "Piston" mode stress model previously available in Civa. The translators' catalogue also includes Olympus DLA and DMA probes in addition to other separate transmit and receive probes already available.
The guided wave control module makes it possible to define 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 easier
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. CT reconstructions can be performed directly in the main simulation following the calculations of the RT projections. This allows CT simulations to be more easily controlled and run in series using the batch manager. Users can also predefine the images they want to save and their formats (raw, tiff, etc.).
Metamodels and parametric studies
Simulation in Civa is particularly suitable for quantifying the impact of influential parameters in an NDT inspection as part of qualifications, or for control development or optimization studies. Metamodels are also available for multiparametric studies and real-time sensitivity analysis. AND an animation allows you to view the range of variation defined in the 3D view.
To optimize the experimental designs, especially when several parameters are studied, the definition of the laws of variation 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, to make a parametric study or a metamodel. More options are proposed for the choice of quantities of interest to be extracted from the study. The optional Civa Script module also allows you to customize this quantity via Python scripts.
The recent Civa SHM module is of course available in the 2021 version of Civa.
