Fuzzy similarities for the optimization of the operational parameters related to ultrasonic phased array probes for industrial application

The systematic use of non-destructive testing is important both for on-line quality control during the production process and the maintenance of complex equipment especially in industrial applications. In such a context, the ultrasound imaging techniques cover an important role above all in those cases in which it is requested a great penetration depth. Starting from an experimental database (affected by uncertainties due to sampling and/or noise, so of clear fuzzy nature), the authors propose a new approach aimed at the optimization of the operational parameters of ultrasonic phased array probes. the problem of optimization is translated in an equivalent problem of classification through a fuzzy similarity approach: different images produced by different probes are compared. The quality of the proposed procedure has been assessed comparing the obtained results also with SOM-type technique in which the parameters of similarity among neurons has been considered of fuzzy nature.