POD as a function of flaw location in component

The probability of detection (POD) curves are often used to estimate the capability of a non-destructive testing (NDT) method to find flaws. However, the POD information typically requires very many expensive measurements, so much effort can be spared by obtaining comparable data from computer simulations. In this study CIVA ultrasound simulation software was used to generate 150 simulations from ultrasonic inspection of a nozzle. The results were used for training of neural networks that were then used to generate POD-curves. The results of POD-calculation where presented as a function of flaw characteristics and location in the component. The results show that the smallest detectable flaw size can be very different in different parts of the component. The smallest and largest detectable flaws differ by more than an order of magnitude depending of the flaw location. The benefits and limitations are discussed with respect to the used methodology that combines ultrasound simulations with metamodeling and POD-calculations.