Common Misapplication of TFM and PCI in Practice

Jonathan Taylor; Stephan Couture; Katherine Kirk; Abdeldjalil Bennecer

doi:10.58286/32765

Common Misapplication of TFM and PCI in Practice

Jonathan Taylor
, Stephan Couture
, Katherine Kirk
, Abdeldjalil Bennecer

Research output: Contribution to Journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

This study investigates practical challenges and common misapplications of the Total Focusing Method (TFM) and Phase Coherent Imaging (PCI) in non-destructive weld inspection pertaining to technical misconfigurations such as probe indexing and overlay misalignment. Findings highlight the necessity of careful standoff control to ensure reliable interpretation of inspection data and emphasise the importance of standardised inspection workflows, targeted operator training, and the integration of simulation-based planning to improve accuracy, consistency, and confidence in ultrasonic weld inspections. The results provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the practical application of advanced ultrasonic techniques in industry.

Original language	English
Number of pages	17
Journal	Research and Review Journal of Nondestructive Testing
Volume	31
Issue number	4
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.58286/32765
Publication status	Published - 22 Mar 2026

Bibliographical note

Keywords

Total Focusing Method (TFM)
Phase Coherent Imaging (PCI)
Standoff index

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Taylor_et_al_2026_Common_Misapplication_of_TFM_and_PCI_in_PracticeFinal published version, 1.49 MBLicence: CC BY

Cite this

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abstract = "This study investigates practical challenges and common misapplications of the Total Focusing Method (TFM) and Phase Coherent Imaging (PCI) in non-destructive weld inspection pertaining to technical misconfigurations such as probe indexing and overlay misalignment. Findings highlight the necessity of careful standoff control to ensure reliable interpretation of inspection data and emphasise the importance of standardised inspection workflows, targeted operator training, and the integration of simulation-based planning to improve accuracy, consistency, and confidence in ultrasonic weld inspections. The results provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the practical application of advanced ultrasonic techniques in industry.",

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AU - Kirk, Katherine

AU - Bennecer, Abdeldjalil

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AB - This study investigates practical challenges and common misapplications of the Total Focusing Method (TFM) and Phase Coherent Imaging (PCI) in non-destructive weld inspection pertaining to technical misconfigurations such as probe indexing and overlay misalignment. Findings highlight the necessity of careful standoff control to ensure reliable interpretation of inspection data and emphasise the importance of standardised inspection workflows, targeted operator training, and the integration of simulation-based planning to improve accuracy, consistency, and confidence in ultrasonic weld inspections. The results provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the practical application of advanced ultrasonic techniques in industry.

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Common Misapplication of TFM and PCI in Practice

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Keywords

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Cite this