Deconvolution of eddy current based C-scans of Inconel cast turbine wheels by use of Richardson–Lucy algorithm

Eddy current (EC) testing, as a non-destructive method for validation of technical products, is widely used due to its advantages in terms of speed and contactless testing. It gains its importance by the possibility of in-line implementation and online testing. Mostly, the reason for its implementation in production lines might be quality-driven as it can be seen in the detection of surface-open as well as subsurface defects. Limits in the differentiation of small material defects are set by the quality of the EC-signal itself. Addition of noise as well as any influence by convolution of the sensor’s aperture function leads to indistinct signals or blurred C-scans. This paper focuses on the deconvolution of EC-Signals and the characterization of defects in the Inconel alloy IN713LC. The methodology used is the Richardson–Lucy algorithm for image deconvolution.