Christine Knott

Research Mathematician, AFRL
“Probability of Detection: Evaluating the Reliability of Nondestructive Inspection Systems”

Speaker Bio: 

Christine E. Knott is a Research Mathematician in the Material State Awareness branch of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX). She uses statistical models to validate nondestructive inspection systems which are used to find defects in aircraft structural and engine components, and her research focusses on Modern Methods for Probability of Detection. She earned her PhD. and M.S. in Applied Mathematics at the Air Force Institute of Technology. Dr. Knott started her federal government career in 2010 at the FAA performing test and evaluation for the ADS-B system, followed by six years as a data analyst at NASIC, and then joining AFRL in 2016. She is a member of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and the American Statistical Association (ASA).

Abstract: 

The reliability of nondestructive inspection (NDI) systems is estimated using statistical methods, the most thorough of which is the Probability of Detection (POD) methodology. The Department of the Air Force uses periodic nondestructive re-inspection of critical structural components to maintain aircraft safety, and POD helps establish the length of inspection intervals. The established methods for POD will be provided, followed by a discussion of contemporary statistical research which extends and improves upon these methods.

Session Materials: Link