Development of knowledge-based engineering module for diagnosis of defects in casting and interpretation of defects by nondestructive testing

The research presented in this paper has resulted in a knowledge-based engineering module, which was developed for the diagnosis of defects in cylinder block casting. The criteria for diagnosing these defects, which have been classified into different groups, include location, shape of defects and whether the defects appear before or after machining. The paper also develops an expert system adviser for detection and interpretation of defects by nondestructive testing techniques, based on the appearance of pattern/echo characteristics during the test. The inspection techniques presented include using magnetic, dye penetrant, and ultrasonic. The expert system incorporates the knowledge in the form of IF–THEN. There are two basic modules. Module 1 not only diagnoses the defect and also suggests its cause. Module 2 solves the complex problems of interpreting defects by nondestructive testing.