Inverse analysis of defect shapes by the Φ-gY method

This paper describes a new method for the solution of an inverse problem of how to determine the shape of a defect included in metal structure using a measured electrical potential. The electrical potential Φ and stream function Ψ, its conjugate form, are considered in the present method and in principle the method is based on a transformation of two pairs, (Φ, Ψ) and (X, Y), with a respective modification of the boundary conditions. Two solutions are provided and compared in terms of accuracy and computational time. An experiment with a tube was also conducted and the result is in good agreement with the theoretical prediction of the defect size.