15-01-2013, 01:09 PM
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic Testing.ppt (Size: 4.12 MB / Downloads: 219)
Introduction
This module presents an introduction to the NDT method of ultrasonic testing.
Ultrasonic testing uses high frequency sound energy to conduct examinations and make measurements.
Ultrasonic examinations can be conducted on a wide variety of material forms including castings, forgings, welds, and composites.
A considerable amount of information about the part being examined can be collected, such as the presence of discontinuities, part or coating thickness; and acoustical properties can often be correlated to certain properties of the material.
Basic Principles of Sound
Sound is produced by a vibrating body and travels in the form of a wave.
Sound waves travel through materials by vibrating the particles that make up the material.
The pitch of the soundis determined by the frequency of the wave (vibrations or cycles completed in a certain period of time).
Ultrasound is soundwith a pitch too highto be detected by the human ear.
Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection
Ultrasonic waves are introduced into a material where they travel in a straight line and at a constant speed until they encounter a surface.
At surface interfaces some of the wave energy is reflected and some is transmitted.
The amount of reflected or transmitted energy can be detected and provides information about the size of the reflector.
The travel time of the sound can be measured and this provides information on the distance that the sound has traveled.
Test Techniques
Ultrasonic testing is a very versatile inspection method, and inspections can be accomplished in a number of different ways.
Ultrasonic inspection techniques are commonly divided into three primary classifications.
Pulse-echo and Through Transmission (Relates to whether reflected or transmitted energy is used)
Normal Beam and Angle Beam(Relates to the angle that the sound energy enters the test article)
Contact and Immersion(Relates to the method of coupling the transducer to the test article)
Test Techniques – Through-Transmission
Two transducers located on opposing sides of the test specimen are used. One transducer acts as a transmitter, the other as a receiver.
Discontinuities in the sound path will result in a partial or total loss of sound being transmitted and be indicated by a decrease in the received signal amplitude.
Through transmission is useful in detecting discontinuities that are not good reflectors, and when signal strength is weak. It does not provide depth information.