Ultrasonic Signal Response from Internal Manufactured Defects in PBF-LB Manufactured Superalloys
Mikael Sahl, Mattias Broddegård, Erik Lindgren, Håkan Wirdelius
Håkan Wirdelius
Professor
Organization
Staff member at Division of Mechanical engineering.Research area
Conducts research in engineering and technology, production technology.Research interests
Advances nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E), focusing on ultrasonic inspection of additively manufactured, repaired, remanufactured, and recycled components. To develop simulation-driven, physics-based methods for reliable characterization of complex defects, supporting qualification in safety-critical applications.
Scientifically, I address how ultrasonic waves interact with irregular defect morphologies in heterogeneous and anisotropic materials. The key question is how to improve detection, sizing, and characterization of defects such as pores, lack of fusion, and cracks, where scattering and mode conversion complicate interpretation. More realistic modelling beyond simplified geometries is central.
The application lies in moving from detection toward quantitative characterization using hybrid modelling, advanced imaging, and synthetic datasets for validation and probability of detection analysis.
How my resesarch can make a difference
Our research advances Circular Velocity by strengthening nondestructive testing (NDT&E) aligned with critical production technologies, scaling science, and circular enabling technologies. It develops ultrasonic inspection for additively manufactured, repaired, and recycled components, addressing reliability limits in safety-critical use.
The work improves detection and characterization of complex defects in heterogeneous materials, supporting modern production methods. It enables simulation-based inspection and qualification through hybrid modelling, advanced imaging, and synthetic data, facilitating standardization and industrial scaling. By supporting lifetime extension, reuse, and validation, it helps keep materials in circulation, linking research at University West with industrial needs.
External assignments
Represents academia in TO44, at Jernkontoret.
Teaching/supervision
Mechanics, Strength of Materials and courses in non-destructive testing.
Keywords
Non-destructive testing, NDT&E, modelling and, specifically, ultrasonic testing.
Publications
Experimental verification of phased array annular probe in ultrasonic immersion setting : Papers of the ECNDT 2023
Mikael Sahl, Håkan Wirdelius
Model-Based Parametric Study of Surface-Breaking Defect Characterization Using Half-Skip Total Focusing Method
Xiangyu Lei, Håkan Wirdelius, Johan E. Carlson
Nondestructive evaluation of additively manufactured components
Mikael Sahl, Håkan Wirdelius, Anders Rosell
The effect of ultrasound wave path estimation to defect characterization capability in half-skip total focusing method
Xiangyu Lei, Håkan Wirdelius, Johan Carlson
Simulation-Based Investigation of a Probability of Detection (POD) Model Using Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) Technique
Xiangyu Lei, Håkan Wirdelius, Anders Rosell