A　time　reversal　guided　wave　inspection　method　is　numerically　simulated　by　using　finite　element　method　(FEM),　where　the　non-through-thickness　small　defect　in　a　pipeline　model　is　analyzed　with　solid　elements　models.　The　reflection　coefficients　of　L(0,　2)　mode　are　calculated　when　the　time　reversal　method　is　used.　Results　show　that　the　temporal-spatial　focusing　effect　of　the　time　reversal　method　can　realize　energy　focusing　on　the　defect.　So,　the　time　reversal　guided　wave　method　is　more　favorable　to　the　small　defect　inspection　in　pipes.　In　addition,　the　angular-profiles　of　the　time　reversal　waves　are　employed　to　give　the　defect＇s　location　in　the　circumferential　and　radial　direction.