Ultrasonic testing uses high frequency sound to inspect materials for cracks, corrosion, and imperfections. It works by bouncing sound off an object and interpreting the resulting echo. Different types of ultrasonic test equipment are used depending on material temperature, thickness, geometry, and phase inversion. The equipment typically has a transducer, a coupling, and an imaging system. The thickness of materials can be measured by calculating the time it takes for sound to bounce off the bottom of the material.
Ultrasonic testing is the use of high frequency sound to inspect materials. The frequency of sound normally ranges from 5 MHz to 25 MHz, which is well above what a human can hear. High-frequency sound is used because it is able to penetrate most materials without difficulty, which allows non-destructive testing to be conducted. It is commonly used to look for cracks, measure depth of material, and check for corrosion and imperfections.
An ultrasound test works by bouncing sound off an object and interpreting the resulting echo. Pass through the material until the sound waves encounter an irregularity. Operators usually note this as a “discontinuity”. By analyzing the discontinuity, the operator can determine if there is a defect in the material.
The thickness of materials such as metals, ceramics and plastics can be measured with ultrasonic testing. Ultrasonic thickness testing is mainly done by calculating the time it takes for sound to bounce off the bottom of the material. Different materials typically reflect sound at different speeds. By measuring the change in time it takes for sound to be reflected, the operator is able to measure the thickness of each material in a multi-layered surface.
There are different types of ultrasonic test equipment, depending on the application required. The choice of equipment is generally dictated by material temperature, thickness, geometry and phase inversion. Ultrasonic test equipment typically has three components: a transducer, a coupling, and an imaging system. A technician operates ultrasonic test equipment by manually moving the probe over the surface of the object to be tested and interpreting the resulting data.
A transducer or probe produces and receives sound. Normally, a transducer sends sound in a straight beam or an angled beam. Straight beam transducers are more widely used than corner beam transducers, which are often used for ultrasonic weld testing.
A coupler is applied to the surface to be tested to act as a medium between the transducer and the surface. Its main purpose is to transmit sound to the surface. It also increases accuracy by preventing loss of sound waves. Mates are often made of gel or paste. However, water is often used as a couplant when using an immersion transducer.
The test data can be read with an imaging system. The imaging system normally contains the controls and processor. In some portable equipment, the transducer is also integrated into the imaging system.
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