Improved FEM model for defect-shape construction from MFL signal by using genetic algorithm

In-line inspection of ferromagnetic gas or oil pipe lines having pipe wall defects is typically accomplished using magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technique. An efficient modelling and computational scheme for forward model, during the process of solving inverse problems in magnetostatic non-destructive evaluation using finite-element method is presented. The shape, size and place of defect are determined considering the nonlinearity of the pipe material using genetic algorithm as the optimisation technique. It is shown that the reduced model improves the FE computations significantly. The methodology for construction of defect shapes from particular MFL signals has been explained.