1.

Module Details
Module name ULTRASONIC TESTING METHODS
Nominal duration One module

It is anticipated that a learner holding the prescribed entry level

skills will achieve the module purpose in 35 to 40 hours

Module Codes EA614

Discipline Code Non-destructive testing (Code to be allocated)

2. Module Purpose To enable learners to describe the principles, procedures and

applications of ultrasonic testing and to undertake ultrasonic testing
of materials, during normal conditions under general supervision.

3. Prerequisites Nil.

4. Relationship to This module meets the training requirements for Level 1

qualifications in ultrasonic testing under AS3998 - 1992 -
competency "Non-destructive Testing - Qualifications and Certification of
standards Personnel - General Engineering".

Currently no competency standards have been established.

However the learning outcomes in this module relate to
ASF level 2-3.

5. Content Properties and behaviour of ultrasound

Frequency, velocity, wavelength, amplitude
Continuous and pulsed waves
Modes of vibrations
Acoustic impedance pressure, energy, intensity
Reflection, refraction and mode conversion
Critical angle and total reflection
Diffraction, dispersion and attenuation
Generation of ultrasound
Piezoelectricity & types of crystals
Construction of ultrasonic search units
Characteristics of search units- frequency - crystal thickness
relationship
Conversion efficiencies of various crystals
Damping and resolutions
Beam intensity characteristics - near field, far field divergence
Normal & angle probes
Flat and contoured probes
Single crystal and twin crystal probes
Fixed and adjustable probes
Care of search units
Ultrasonic Testing Equipment
Description of basic pulse-echo instrument
Time-base (synchroniser) circuit
Pulser circuits
Receiver or echo-amplifier circuit
A-scan display circuit
 Linearity, effect of supersession
Types of displays
A-scan display
B-scan display
C-scan display
Monitors and recording devices
Care of equipment
Types of couplants, desirable characteristics
Testing Methods
Contact testing
Straight beam
Angle beam
Surface waves and Lamb waves
Immersion testing
Straight beam
Angle beam
Bubbler technique
Calibration
Types and uses of AS 2083-1981calibration blocks
Determination of probe characteristics
Water distance for immersion technique
Test application
Selection of test parameters
Frequency
Probe size and shape
Scanning speed and index
Thickness testing
Plate testing
Castings
Forgings
Welds
Interpretation of results
Acceptance standards
Location of discontinuities
Recording and reporting
Job records
Routine reports
Codes and standards
Variables affecting Test Results
Instrument performance variables
Transducer performance variables
Inspected part variables
Entry surface conditions
Part size and geometry
Metallurgical structure
Discontinuity variables
Size and geometry
Distance location from entry surface
Orientation to entry surface
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Module: EA614 - Ultrasonic testing Methods - May, 1998
 Reflecting characteristics of the discontinuity

6. Assessment Competency based assessment applies. Assessment should be

carried out by gathering evidence using a variety of methods or
strategy instruments that have validity according to the learning being
assessed.

Assessment method Multiple choice and short answer questions.

Written assignments and demonstrated competence through
assigned tasks.

Final assessment will be by a written examination and practical

examination as required by AS3998 for Level 1 Certification.

Conditions of assessment Assessment will be conducted by suitably qualified assessors, as

required by AS3998. The candidate will have access to any
equipment, materials and documentation as required for the
assessment.

7. Learning On completion of this module, the learner will be able to

outcome details
8. Learning outcome 1 Describe the fundamental properties and behaviour of ultrasound.

Assessment criteria .1 Describe the nature of sound

waves as particle motion associated with energy.
.2 1.2 Describe the
relationship between velocity, frequency and wavelength.
.3
.4 1.3 Outline the
difference between compression, shear, surface and plate or Lamb
waves.
.5
.6 1.4 Describe the
behaviour of sound as it strikes an interface between two mediums
resulting in reflection, refraction and mode conversion.
.7
.8 1.5 Define "Acoustic
Impedance" and state its importance in ultrasonic testing.
.9
.10 1.6 Appreciate critical
angle and its significance.
.11
.12 1.7 List the factors
that affect attenuation of ultrasonic energy as it passes through a
medium and the practical outcome of attenuation.
.13
Learning outcome 2 Describe how ultrasonic waves are generated and detected.

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Module: EA614 - Ultrasonic testing Methods - May, 1998
 Assessment criteria 2.1 Define Piezo electricity and the type of crystals.

2.2 Describe briefly the components in the construction of an

ultrasonic transducer.

2.3 Describe the characteristics of transducers, such as

frequency - crystal thickness relationship, conversion efficiencies of
various crystals, damping and resolution, beam intensity
characteristics, near field, far field and beam divergence.

2.4 List desirable steps for the care of transducers.

Learning outcome 3 Describe the basic parts of pulse-echo instrument and the functions
of various controls.

Assessment criteria 3.1 Describe the functions of the various parts and demonstrate
how the various controls can be used to calibrate and operate the
equipment for optimum performance.

3.2 Outline the various presentations including automatic

recording systems in ultrasonic testing.

3.3 Describe different couplants used and desirable

characteristics for ultrasonic testing and list their advantages and
limitations.

3.4 Demonstrate ability to work competently with A-scan

display unit.

Learning outcome 4 Describe various ultrasonic Testing Methods.

Assessment criteria 4.1 Describe contact testing techniques using.

- straight beam
- angle beam
- surface waves and
- Lamb waves.

4.2 Describe Immersion testing techniques. using.

- straight beam
- angle beam
- bubbler technique

4.3 State advantages, limitations and applications of various

techniques.

Learning Outcome 5 Calibrate ultrasonic test equipment using standard calibration

blocks and determine system parameters using standard blocks.

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Module: EA614 - Ultrasonic testing Methods - May, 1998
 Assessment criteria 5.1 Demonstrate competency in calibrating ultrasonic flaw
detection and thickness testing equipment using standard calibration
blocks and in accordance with national standards
.
5.2 Demonstrate ability in the selection of test parameters
including
- frequency, transducer size and type
- scanning speed and index
Learning outcome 6 Demonstrate proficiency in carrying out thickness testing of various
materials in the wrought and cast condition.

Assessment criteria 6.1 Describe the various applications of ultrasonic testing.

6.2 Demonstrate competency in thickness testing of various

materials.

6.3 Show basic understanding in setting up test equipment for

flaw detection in wrought materials, castings, forgings, and welded
assemblies.

6.4 Follow instructions and procedures for the ultrasonic

inspection of selected materials and components.

6.5 Prepare preliminary test reports on ultrasonic inspection of

selected materials and components.

Learning outcome 7 Show awareness of various variables affecting the test results.

Assessment criteria 7.1 Describe the briefly instrument performance variables and
their effect on the CRC display.

7.2 Describe briefly transducer performance variables and their

effect on the CRC display.

7.3 Describe briefly the inspected part variables and their effect
on test results.

7.4 Describe briefly the discontinuity variables and their effect

on test results.

8. Delivery of the This module may be taught by active participation, illustration,

demonstration and description. This module is practical in nature
module and theoretically integrated to complement the acquisition of
practical skills.

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Module: EA614 - Ultrasonic testing Methods - May, 1998
 Delivery strategy This module may be taught and assessed on or off-the-job.

The module has a high practical content. Theory and practice will
be taught concurrently. There will be a range of learning activities
including modified lectures, practical work and project work.

Resource requirements Human resources

• trainer/teacher/mentor
•Physical resources
• appropriately equipped training room
• relevant equipment and information
• legislative and regulatory documents
•
Major texts and references Ultrasonic Testing, Drury

Ultrasonic Testing - P.A. Sheedy (In preparation. Pub. Technical

Secretarial Service)

Ultrasonic Testing (Directed Private Study Notes) - Cheema &

Neasbey (from Sydney Institute of Technology)

Ultrasonic Testing Programmed Instruction Handbook -

ASNT/General Dynamics (Available from AINDT)

Occupational health and Learners and/or employees undertaking this module should have
safety requirements demonstrated competencies as defined in the Metal & Engineering
Industry Standards Unit No 1.2F - Apply principles of OH&S in the
work environment. This would apply in the classroom, practical
room or workplace.

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Module: EA614 - Ultrasonic testing Methods - May, 1998