Estimation of Realistic Microtexture Region Orientation Distribution Functions Using Eddy Current Data

Microtexture regions (MTRs) within titanium alloys are collections of grains with similar crystallographic orientation. The presence of MTRs can be detrimental to the life of an engine component; thus, a method for detecting and characterizing MTR is needed. Eddy current testing, a nondestructive evaluation method, is sensitive to changes in conductivity which are related to local changes in crystallographic orientation. Previous work has demonstrated the ability of eddy current testing to determine the orientation distribution function (ODF) of a simulated MTR within a simulated microstructure using approximate Bayesian computation techniques. This article will extend these methods to realistic MTR configurations. We review the ODF estimation technique, discuss modifications to the algorithm that are required to apply it to realistic microstructures and then demonstrate its use on simulated eddy current data of a real titanium specimen.

Automated summary

This article presents a method for detecting and characterizing microtexture regions (MTRs) with similar crystallographic orientation. Eddy current testing, a nondestructive evaluation method, is used to detect changes in conductivity related to changes in crystallographic orientation. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of this method, and this article extends it to realistic microstructures.