Nondestructive testing Ultrasonic

The most popular ultrasonic nondestructive testing application has been associated with thickness measurement of a test object and defect location within the particular test object. Most of the applications to date have been associated with the testing of homogeneous isotropic materials. Recent work has extended the basic ultrasonic test philosophy to the field of composite materials and adhesive bonding inspection. Unfortunately, many difficulties occur because of the inhomogeneous and anisotropic characteristic of a composite material. This section includes a review of the physical principles associated with ultrasonic testing and the particular items that must receive special attention when inspecting composite materials or adhesively bonded sections of a structure. 

The pulse-echo technique is the most popular of the three basic ultrasonic, nondestructive testing techniques. The pulse-echo technique is very useful in detecting flaws and for thickness measurement. 

The ultrasonic testing of anisotropic austenitic steel welds is a commonly used method in nondestructive testing. Nevertheless, it is often a problem to analyze the received signals in a satisfactory way. Computer simulation of ultrasonics has turned out to be a very helpful tool to gather information and to improve the physical understanding of complicated wave phenomena inside the samples. 

Nondestructive testing techniques for welded joints usually include visual, radiographic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and ultrasonic testing methods. Of interest in this paper is the radiographic testing (RT) technique. 

Gutkiewicz P. "Ultrasonic and eddy current nondestructive testing in Windows envirorunent , ZfP als Dienstleitung in einer veranderten Industriestruktur, Dresden, 5-7 Mai 1997, P 67... 

The first full text NDT Journal on www.ndt.net, the Online Journal of Nondestructive Testing Ultrasonics, is on the Internet and each month provides new information as well as a comprehensive overall reference - access is free since it is sponsored by the NDT online exhibition. 

Nondestructive Testing. Nondestmctive inspection of an explosion-welded composite is almost totally restricted to ultrasonic and visual inspection. Radiographic inspection is appHcable only to special types of composites consisting of two metals having a significant mismatch in density and a large wave pattern in the bond interface (see Nondestructive evaluation). 

P. Mclntire, ed., "Ultrasonic Testing," Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Vol. 7, 2nd ed.. The American Society for Nondestmctive Testing, Columbus, Ohio, 1991. 

Corrosion-fatigue cracks can be detected by nondestructive testing techniques such as magnetic particle inspection, radiography, ultrasonics, and dye penetrant. Corrosion-fatigue cracks may occur in numerous tubes simultaneously. Nondestructive testing of tubes at locations similar to those in which cracks are observed can be useftil. 

Among the available nondestructive testing techniques are ultrasonic tests, eddy-current tests, air-underwater and hydrostatic tests, and visual examinations. All of these techniques must be executed by technically qualified personnel. 

Identification. If accessible, defects from burnthrough may be visually identified as fused holes in the tube wall. Various nondestructive testing techniques, such as radiography and ultrasonics, may also detect this defect. The defect generally causes leakage soon after affected equipment is placed in service. 

Occasionally, corrosion of this type produces large cavities covered by a thin outer skin of weld metal (Fig. 15.5). Even close examinations of such sites under a low-power microscope may fail to reveal the cavities. Compare Figs. 15.6 and 15.7. Generally, such sites are detected either by fluid leakage or by nondestructive testing techniques such as radiography and ultrasonics. 

Identification. Slag inclusions will not be visually identifiable unless slag particles emerge at the weldment surfaces. Radiography, eddy-current testing, and ultrasonics are nondestructive testing techniques that can disclose slag inclusions. 

Identification. Weld-root cracks originate at the root of the weld and run longitudinally along the weld, perpendicularly to the base-metal surface and parallel to the axis of the weld. In general, they may be identified visually or by various nondestructive testing techniques such as radiography or ultrasonics. Failures from weld-root cracking may occur soon after start-up or after extended periods of successful service. 

Gross cracks may be visually observable. Nondestructive testing for the presence of cracks includes using dye penetrant, ultrasonics, and radiography. Determination of the cracking mechanism will require metallographic analysis. 

Welding Defects Visual, radiographic and/or ultrasonic Indications. Any welded joints. Basic welding problem laminated steel can cause trouble. Electrode manipulation. Control of welding speeds, procedures, careful inspection and nondestructive testing to locate defects for cutting out or repair. 

Nondestructive testing (NDT) is used to assess a component or structure during its operational lifetime. Radiography, ultrasonics, eddy currents, acoustic emissions, and other methods are used to detect and monitor flaws that develop during operation (Chapter 7). 

A form of nondestructive testing in which an ultrasonic beam is applied to sound-conducting materials to locate any discontinuities. 

---