University of Strathclyde and National Oilwell Varco UK Limited KTP 23_24 R6

Engineers are building a calibration system that lets ultrasonic scanners inspect large, oddly shaped metal parts with far greater precision than current methods allow. Ultrasonic inspection works like sonar—it sends sound waves into a component and listens for echoes that reveal hidden cracks or flaws. But when parts are huge or have complex curves, the sound waves scatter unpredictably, making the readings unreliable. This project tackles that problem by developing a sensitivity system that adjusts the scanner’s calibration for each unique geometry, so the results stay accurate regardless of shape or size. If successful, the system could transform quality control in industries that rely on large, safety-critical components—such as offshore oil and gas equipment, wind turbine shafts, or aerospace structural parts. Manufacturers would catch defects earlier, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures in the field. The work is applied engineering, not fundamental science: it directly addresses a practical bottleneck in non-destructive testing. There is no immediate consumer benefit, but the technology could quietly make energy infrastructure and heavy machinery safer and more reliable.