WeldNet: From 3D phased-array ultrasound scans to 3D geometrical models of welds and defects

Non-destructive testing techniques validate the structural integrity of materials. However, even though these techniques can recognize defects, they do not aim at identifying the shape of the structure itself. Considering that the location of welding defects determines how critical they are, being able to locate the weld and the defect would greatly enhance the analysis. This paper presents a two-step framework that identifies weld geometry and defects simultaneously and reconstructs the surface of the welded joint and the identified defects. The result is a 3D geometric model that adds more context to the analysis, improving the evaluation of the weld.