Trends and stakes of NDT simulation

A major evolution in the NDT field during the last decade is the importance taken by numerical simulation. This communication proposes an overview centered on the current works carried out in the context of the development of the CIVA simulation platform and mainly illustrated by ultrasonic applications. Numerical simulation is currently used for the conception of new inspections and probes, technical qualification of inspections and help to the diagnosis. Aiming at fulfilling the strong industrial demand, the research is very active in the field. The domain of applicability of the codes is continuously widened to more complex parts, defects or materials while the spectrum of NDT techniques addressed by the codes increases. The new uses of simulation involve intensive calculations and computational speed remains a crucial challenge. (authors)