Ultrasonic Inpection-Level II Training-4

4/5/2021
Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Level II Introduction
Introduction Introduction
 Sound is a mechanical vibration.  Ultrasonic is the study and application of sound waves
 Sound waves are the vibration of particles in solids, liquids
having frequencies above the audible range of the
or gases:
human ear.
 Is a branch of acoustics.
 Begins at 20 000 cycles
per second (20 kHz).
 Uses higher frequencies
for testing materials.
Audible Range: 16Hz - 20KHz
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Introduction Introduction
Ultrasonic Testing measures the time for high frequency (0.5MHz-50MHz) pulses of
ultrasound to travel through the inspection material.
For centuries, objects were tested by hitting them with a
mallet and listening for a tonal quality difference. If a discontinuity is present, the ultrasound reflects back to the probe in a time other than
The natural resonance of an object gave evidence that that appropriate to good material.
the struck object was free from imperfections.
Castings Forgings
Applications
Welds Composites
Advantage of Ultrasonic Testing Limitations of Ultrasonic Testing

 No permanent record (unless automated)
Measurement is superior to other
Both surface & Sub-surface defects can be inspected methods  Skill and training is more extensive than with some other methods.
 Requires coupling medium

Sensitive to cracks at various orientations Portability
 Materials that are rough, irregular in shape, very small, exceptionally thin
Able to penetrate thick sections Instantaneous results or not homogeneous are difficult to inspect.
 Cast iron and other coarse grained materials are difficult to inspect
Measures depth and through-wall Extent Single-sided access is sufficient
 Linear defects oriented parallel to the sound beam may go undetected.
 Reference standards are required for calibration
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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 reflector.
Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection At reflector 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.
Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection

The distance the sound traveled can be displayed on the Flaw Detector
Sound is transmitted in the material to be tested
The screen can be calibrated to give accurate readings of the distance
The sound reflected back to the probe is Signal from the backwall
displayed on the Flaw Detector
Bottom / Backwall
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Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection

The presence of a defect in the material shows up on the screen of the
flaw detector with less distance than the bottom of the materials
The BWE signal

0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Defect signal
60 mm
Defect
The depth of the defect can be read with reference

to the marker on the screen
Basic Principles of Sound

Sound is produced by a vibrating body and travels in the form of wave
Travel through materials by vibrating the particles that make up material

When a medium is compressed in one direction, it expands in another
Basic Principles of Sound

direction
Ultrasound are the sound waves with frequency too high to be heard by human
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Basic Principles of Sound Basic Principles of Sound

Examples of oscillation
Ball on a spring Pendulum Rotating Earth
Pulse
The ball starts to oscillate as soon as it is pushed

Atomic Structures
Gas Liquid Solid
Oscillation
• Low density • Medium density • High density
• Weak bonding forces • Medium bonding • Strong bonding forces
forces • Crystallographic
structure
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Wave Propagation
Understanding wave propagation:
Ball = atom Spring = elastic bonding force
One full Time

oscillation T
From the duration of one oscillation T,

the frequency f (number of oscillations
per second) is calculated:
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Frequency Range Hz Description Example
0 – 20 Infrasound Earth quake
16 – 20,000 Audible Sound Speech, Music
>20,000 Ultrasound Bat, Quartz Crystal
T During one oscillation T the wave

front propagates by the distance :
Distance travelled
V = Speed
T = Time Period
λ = Wave Length
(Distance Travelled)
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Velocity of sound in particular material is constant
Elastic
Modulus
Constant Velocity
Materials
Density Frequency
Velocity of
Changing Wavelength
Sound
5 M Hz
STEEL
WATER AIR
Sensitivity
Sensitivity/Resolution/Signal Amplitude
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Sensitivity Resolution
 Resolution is the ability of an equipment / combination probe
to distinguish between two echoes from reflectors that are
close together.
 To have good resolution a probe must present two signals on
a CRT screen from two separate reflectors.
 If it has poor resolution the echoes from the two reflectors
appear as one signal on the screen.
Resolution Signal Amplitude

 Maximum displacement of the molecules from their
equilibrium position.
 The energy of an ultrasonic wave is in turn expressed as the
square of the amplitude.
 The relative amplitude of ultrasonic signals is expressed
using the decibel, a logarithmic unit of comparison.
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Signal Amplitude Practice Problem
 Using the formula, we can discover that:
 6dB difference means that one signal is 2 times bigger than another.
 10dB difference means that one signal is 3 times bigger than another.
1 M Hz 5 M Hz 10 M Hz 25 M Hz
 12dB difference means that one signal is 4 times bigger than another. LONGEST  = v/f SMALLEST
20dB difference means that one signal is 10 times bigger than another. F  F 
Which probe has the smallest wavelength?
Which probe has the longest wavelength?
Practice Problem Practice Problem
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Practice Problem
Modes of Sound Wave

14 db = 5X
So H2= 5X20% = 100 %
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Modes of Sound Wave Modes of Sound Wave

There are four different modes of sound wave generation Longitudinal Mode
that are used in ultrasonic testing: Longitudinal waves, or compression waves, cause the
particles of the matter to vibrate back and forth in the
Longitudinal Waves (Compression Waves)
same direction (Parallel) as the motion of the sound
Shear Waves (Transverse Waves) wave.
Rayleigh Waves (Surface waves)
Lamb Waves (Plate Waves)

Longitudinal Mode Longitudinal Mode
Direction of propagation
Direction of oscillation
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Shear Mode Shear Mode
Shear waves, also known as transverse waves, cause
the particles to vibrate back and forth in a direction that
is at right angles (Perpendicular) to the motion of the Direction of propagation
Direction of Oscillation
wave.

Shear Mode Velocity:
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Rayleigh (Surface Wave) Mode Rayleigh (Surface Wave) Mode
Rayleigh waves travel along the free boundary
(surface) of a solid. These are also referred to as
surface waves.
Same material

Rayleigh (Surface Wave) Mode Lamb (Plate Wave) Mode
 Lamb or plate waves propagate in thin plate materials
when the plate thickness is about the same as the
wavelength.
 Lamb or plate waves travel at velocities which vary with
the material, plate thickness and frequency.
 Particle motion is elliptical, as with surface waves.
 Produced by manipulation of surface waves and others.
 Lamb or plate waves are also combinations of
longitudinal and shear waves.
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Lamb (Plate Wave) Mode Lamb (Plate Wave) Mode
Symmetrical Asymmetrical
Generation Of Ultrasound Generation Of Ultrasound

Generated in Transducer Piezo - Electric Effect:
Piezoelectric material  Direct Effect: Conversion of mechanical energy
(crystal) in the transducer (sound) into electrical energy.
produce piezo-electric  Indirect Effect: Conversion of electrical energy into
effect. mechanical energy or sound.
 The first people to observe the piezo-electric effect were
the Curie brothers who observed it in quartz crystals.
The transducer is capable of

both transmitting and
receiving sound energy.
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Generation Of Ultrasound
Piezo - Electric Effect:
Generation Of Ultrasound

Piezo - Electric Effect (Indirect): Piezo - Electric Effect (Indirect):
The crystal gets thicker, due

to a distortion of the crystal
Piezoelectrical
Crystal (Quartz)
+ +
Battery
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Piezo - Electric Effect (Indirect): Piezo - Electric Effect (Indirect):
Sound wave with

frequency f
The effect inverses with
polarity change
AC
+
An alternating voltage generates crystal

oscillations at the frequency f
Generation Of Ultrasound Reception of Ultrasonic Waves

Piezo - Electric Effect (Indirect): Piezo - Electric Effect
Effect:(Direct):
 A sound wave hitting a piezoelectric crystal, induces
crystal vibration which then causes electrical voltages at
the crystal surfaces.
Short pulse Electrical energy Piezoelectrical crystal Ultrasonic wave

( < 1 µs )
A short voltage pulse generates an

oscillation at the crystal‘s resonant
frequency f0
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Piezo-Electric Crystal Practice Problem

Frequency & Thickness:
 By varying the thickness of crystals and subjecting them

to a voltage, they could be made to vibrate at different
frequencies.
 Frequency depends on the thickness of the piezo-electric
crystal, according to a formula:
Thinner the crystal,

Higher the frequency
Piezo-Electric Crystal Piezo-Electric Crystal

Piezo - Electric Material: Piezo - Electric Material:
Following are the crystal material used in ultrasonic transducers.

Natural Crystal Polarized Ceramic Crystal
Quartz or Silicon Oxide (SiO3) Barium Titanate (BaTiO3)
Lithium Sulphate (LiSO4) Lead Metaniobate (PbNbO6)
--------------------------- Lead Zirconate Titanate (PbZrO3, PbTiO3)
In accordance with ASNT Level III Study Guide
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Piezo-Electric Natural Crystal Piezo-Electric Natural Crystal

Quartz or Silicon Oxide (SiO3): Quartz or Silicon Oxide (SiO3):
Compressional or shear waves can be produced according to the
way quartz crystals are cut.
An X cut crystal is cut in a direction that is perpendicular to X-
axis and parallel to Y-axis.
An Y cut crystal is cut in a direction that is perpendicular to Y-
axis and parallel to X-axis.
An X cut crystal produces a compressional wave.
A Y cut crystal produces a shear wave.
Quartz is not much used now.
Piezo-Electric Natural Crystal Piezo-Electric Natural Crystal

Quartz or Silicon Oxide (SiO3): Lithium Sulphate (LiSO4):
Advantages:
Curie Temperature: 5760C Crystals grow as a solution of lithium sulphate is evaporated.
 Resistant to wear.
 Insoluble in water. Advantages:
 Resistant to ageing (Mechanically and chemically stable).
 The most efficient receiver of ultrasound.
 Easy to cut to give the required frequencies.
 Has very low electrical impedance.
Disadvantages:  Lithium sulphate operates well at low voltages.
 It needs a lot of electrical energy to produce a small amount  Does not age.
of ultrasound. It is inefficient generator of ultrasonic energy.  Has very good resolution.
 Quartz crystals are susceptible to mode conversion.  Crystals are easily damped to give short pulse lengths.
 A high voltage is needed to give low frequency sound.
Superseded by other Piezoelectric Materials.
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Piezo-Electric Natural Crystal Piezo-Electric Polarized Crystal

Lithium Sulphate (LiSO4): Barium Titanate (BaTiO3):
Disadvantages: Crystals are made by baking barium titanate at 1250oC and then
cooling it in a 2 kilovolt per millimeter electrical field.
 Dissolve in water.
Advantages:
 Very fragile (Break easily).
 Decompose at temperatures 75-130oC.  An efficient generator of sound.
 Only needs a low voltage.
 Good sensitivity.
Disadvantages:
Unsuitable for
Industrial use
 Its curie point, at which the crystal depolarize is about only
115-150oC, so heating ruins it.
 It deteriorates over a period of time.
Piezo-Electric Polarized Crystal Piezo-Electric Polarized Crystal

Lead Metaniobate (PbNbO6): Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT):
Crystals are made in a similar way to Barium Titanate. Crystals are made in a similar way to Barium Titanate.
Advantages: Advantages:
 An efficient generator of sound.  An efficient generator of sound.

 Its curie point is about 193-350oC. Best all-round crystal
 Heavy internal damping, gives out very narrow pulses of for industrial testing.
ultrasound, which gives good resolution.  Easily damped & good resolution.
 Its curie point is about 550oC.  Does not dissolve in water.
Used in most
Disadvantages:  Tough and resistant to ageing. probes.
 Much less sensitive than Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT). Disadvantages:
 No major disadvantages.
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Practice Problem Coupling: Piezo-Electric Crystals
 Probes using piezo-electric crystals require mechanical

1. Which crystal is most efficient transmitter of ultrasonic
coupling between themselves and the material under
energy? (Lead Zirconate Titanate - PZT) inspection.
 Coupling is achieved between the transducer and material:
2. Which crystal is most efficient receptor of ultrasonic
 By immersing them in a fluid tank (Usually water).
energy? (Lithium Sulphate)  Directly using a thin fluid layer (<λ/4).
 Couplant is primarly used to exclude the air between probe
3. Which crystal is soluble in water? (Lithium Sulphate)
and test part.
4. What is the maximum curie point of Lead Zirconate  For shear waves, fluid should have a significant viscosity.
Titanate? (350 0C)  The acoustic impedance of the couplant layer should also
some how match with probe and the material being tested.
Coupling: Piezo-Electric Crystals Coupling: Piezo-Electric Crystals

For the selection of a suitable couplant, the following points Couplant Types:
should be taken into consideration:  Water:
 Surface finish of the test specimen.  Suitable on a relatively smooth surface.

 Temperature of the test specimen.  A wetting & corrosion agent should be added.
 Possibility of chemical reaction between the test specimen  Promote surface corrosion on carbon steel.
and the couplant.  Sometimes appropriate to add glycerine to increase viscosity;
 Cleaning requirements (some couplant are difficult to however, glycerine tends to induce corrosion in aluminum.
remove).  Heavy oil or Grease
 Should be used on hot or vertical surfaces or on rough

surfaces where irregularities need to be filled.
 Only non-corrosive nature type material can be used.
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Coupling: Piezo-Electric Crystals Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers

(EMATs)
Couplant Types:
 When a coil is placed near the surface of an electrically
 Wallpaper Paste
conducting object and alternating current is applied, eddy
 Especially useful on rough surfaces when good coupling is currents will be induced in a near-surface region of the object.
needed to minimize background noise and yield an adequate  Generate ultrasonic waves due to the interaction between a
signal-to-noise ratio. static magnetic field of a magnet and the high frequency
 More difficult to remove. magnetic field generated by a coil.
 The eddy currents produced in the material due to the coil
Couplant used in contact inspection should be creates a lorentz force causing the atomic lattice of the
applied as a uniform, thin coating to obtain uniform material to oscillate producing an ultrasonic wave.
and consistent inspection results.  Used for the detection of flaws & determination of material
properties (e.g. velocity or attenuation measurement).
Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers

(EMATs) (EMATs)
 Can operate without contact at elevated temperatures and in
remote locations.
 Do not require the couplant.
 Inefficient ultrasound generator.
 Require strong magnetic fields and large currents to produce
ultrasound.
 Often produce weaker ultrasound than that produced by piezo-
electric transducers.
 Rare-earth materials such as samarium-cobalt and
neodymium-iron-boron are often used to produce sufficiently
strong magnetic fields, which may also be generated by pulsed
electromagnets.
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Pulse Length and Damping

Pulse Length:
 Length or width of several vibrations or wavelengths.
 Leading and trailing edges of a pulse measured at a defined
Pulse Length and Damping level below the peak amplitude.

 Pulse length (or width) is also sometimes called wave train
length.
Damping:
 Shorten the pulse length (or width) and to absorb the rareward
ultrasonic waves.
How to Achieve?
Backing Material: A slug of tungsten loaded
Araldite is placed behind the crystal.
Pulse Length and Damping Pulse Length and Damping
Long Pulse
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Pulse Length and Damping Pulse Length and Damping
Resolution & Damping

Pulse Length
Sensitivity & Penetration
Sensitivity & Penetration

Pulse Length
Resolution & Damping
Short Pulse
Normal Pulse
Sound Beam
Two distinct zones are always present within the sonic

beam:
Sound Beam  Near Field or Fresnel Zone
 Far Field or Fraunhofer Zone
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Sound Beam Sound Beam
Crystal Focus Angle of divergence

Accoustical axis
6
D0
Near Field Far Field
Near Field (Zone) Near Field (Zone)

Sound produces from many points along the surface of the
 Zone between the crystal and the point where the sound field
crystal which interfere with each other.
even out.
 Zone reveal irregular patterns of localized high (maxima) and
low intensities (minima).
 Exist upto last maxima (called 1N or N).
 Uneven sound field intensity in this zone.
 Inside the near zone, signals from reflector bear no accurate
relation to the size of the reflector, specially small reflectors.
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Near Field (Zone) Far Field (Zone)

 Zone where sound field behavior becomes more uniform.
 Sound pulses follow the inverse square law in the far zone
 Intensity reduces exponentially with distance.
Natural Focal Point  Sound beam spreads out as a circular wave front.
Diameter
Frequency Near zone
Velocity
Far Field (Zone): Beam Spread Far Field (Zone): Beam Spread
I=0%
I=10%
Half Beam Spread Angle
I=50%
I= maximum (100%)
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Far Field (Zone): Beam Spread Practice Problem

Where is the N?
N
Diameter
Frequency
Beam Spread
Velocity
1 2 3 4
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3- What is the half beam spread of a10mm, 5 MHZ 4- For a 2 MHz shear wave probe of crystal diameter 14mm,
compression wave probe in steel? the theoretical half angle of divergence to 20db of the beam
when used on steel is approximately?
Attenuation
Decrease of sound intensity (pressure) when a wave

travels through a material arising from:
Attenuation  Absorption (Material)

 Scattering (Material)
 Beam Spread (Far Field)
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Absorption Scattering
 Resulting from transformation of ultrasonic energy into other  Randomly reflected energy caused by grain structure and/or
types of energy (e.g. thermal). by small discontinuities in the beam path.
 Occurs as the sound pulse hits the molecules of the test  The larger the grain size (course grain structure), the more
material and makes them vibrate. scatter occurs.
 The energy lost in vibrating the molecules turns to heat.  When grain size ≈ λ/10, Scattering is high.
 The rate of absorption varies from one material to another and  Grass/Hash/Noise exist on CRT due to course grain structure.
even from one type of steel to another.
 It is high in soft materials (e.g. Perspex, nylon & lead) and is
Wavelength Scattering
low in aluminum.
Frequency Penetration
Scattering Attenuation: Beam Spread

Large Reflector: Area bigger than beam width
Small Reflector: Area smaller than beam width
Cast Product
Scattering
(Cast Iron/Brass)
Law of Large Reflector: I α 1/d (Inverse Law)
Wrought Product Law of Small Reflector: I α 1/d2 (Inverse Square Law)

Scattering
(Refined steel)
Where:
I = Intensity of sound
beam.
d= Distance.
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Attenuation: Beam Spread Attenuation: Beam Spread
Attenuation: Miscellaneous Source Attenuation Measurement
Reflection inside the probe.
Scattering from a rough surface.
Non-metallic inclusions or laminations in test material.
Reflection from the surface of the test piece.
Internal mode conversion.
ΔH=ΔHS+HBS
ΔH=HB1-HB2
ΔHS = ΔH-HBS
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Attenuation Measurement Attenuation Measurement

Material Attenuation Cofficient Material Attenuation Cofficient
dB = 20 log (H1/H2) = ΔH - (1) - Without changing the setting To calculate the effective material attenuation coefficient per
α = ΔHS/2T (dB/m) – For Near Field (ΔH=ΔHS) – (2) unit distance. Follow the following procedure:
 Place a compression probe on a piece of the test material,
α = ΔHS/2T=(ΔH-ΔHBS)/2T (dB/m) – For Far Field - (3)
 obtain a BWE (HB1) outside the distance of 3N and turn the
backwall echo to FSH. Note the dB Value.
For d ≥ 3N: ΔHBS = 6 dB
 Obtain a next BWE (HB2) at double distance of (HB1) and
α = (ΔH-ΔHBS)/2T = (ΔH-6)/2T (dB/m) - (4) increase the signal height to FSH. Note dB difference (ΔH) &
distance between the echoes.
α = Attenuation Cofficient  From equation no.4, attenuation coffiencient can be calculated.

Plate thickness= 30 mm Probe Frequency= 4 MHZ Plate thickness= 30 mm Probe Frequency= 4 MHZ
Probe Diameter = 10mm ΔH=10dB (b/w 2nd & 4th BWE) Probe Diameter = 10mm Velocity= 5880 m/s
Velocity= 5880 m/s 1st BWE at 30mm. Signal Hight =64 % at 2nd & 20% at 4th BWE.
α=? 1st BWE at 30mm. α=?
From Eq#1 ΔH=10dB
N 17mm 3N= 3x17= 51 mm
N 17mm 3N= 3x17= 51 mm
2nd BWE is at 60 mm, outside the 3N and distance (T) between
2nd & 4th BWE is 60mm. So using the equation no.4 2nd BWE is at 60 mm, outside the 3N and distance (T) between
2nd & 4th BWE is 60mm. So using the quation no.4
α = (ΔH-ΔHBS)/2T = (ΔH-6)/2T = 33dB/m
α = (ΔH-ΔHBS)/2T = (ΔH-6)/2T = 33dB/m
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Acoustic Impedance
 The resistance offered to the propagation of an ultrasonic wave
by material is known as the acoustic impedance (Z).
Acoustic Impedance Where: V = Acoustic Velocity. ρ= Density.
 Defines the interface behavior or coupling mismatch

(Reflection and Transmission coefficient).
 Higher the acoustic impedance (Z), the better the transmission
through that material.
 Air is a very poor carrier of ultrasound (low Z value).
 Steel is a good carrier of ultrasound (high Z value).
Acoustic Impedance Reflection & Transmission Coefficient
At Normal Incidence
Medium 1
Interface
Medium 2
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Reflection & Transmission Coefficient Practice Problem
At Normal Incidence Calculate the amount of energy reflected and transmitted at a

water-steel interface. Steel (Z2) = 46.7 x 106 kg/m2s. Water (Z1)
= 1.48 x 106 kg/m2s.
R=
T=1-R
R= So,
T= 1-0.88=.12x100= 12%
R=
R=
Reflection & Transmission Coefficient
Snell Law & Mode Conversion
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Snell Law & Mode Conversion Snell Law & Mode Conversion
Reflection Refraction
When sound waves pass obliquely (not at 90o) between materials
having different acoustic velocities, the direction of sound
propagation is changed on passing through the interface and the
sound wave is said to have been refracted.
Is that
Refraction?
NO
Snell Law Mode Conversion

Snell’s law states that the ratio between sound velocity in two When sound waves pass obliquely (not at 90o) between materials
materials is the same as the ratio between the sine of the incident having different acoustic velocities, one mode of wave energy
and refracted angles (measured for the vertical angle). can be transformed into another mode on passing through the
interface and the sound wave is said to have been mode
converted.
Is that
Mode
conversion?
NO
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Critical Angle First Critical Angle

There are two critical angles: V1= 2730 (Perspex)
V2= 5960 (Steel)
First Critical Angle:
The incident angle at which a refracted compression wave in the
test material is generated at 900.
Second Critical Angle:
The incident angle at which a refracted shear wave is generated
in the material at 900.
Second Critical Angle
V1= 2730 (Perspex)

V2= 3240 (Steel)
Define the wave

modes areas?
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Snell Law & Mode Conversion Practice Problem
But answer is not correct:
Use Vs= 3250 Correct Answer R= 17.80
Perspex- Steel Interface
Transducers / Probes / Search Units
Transducer
Transducers/Probes/Search Units Contact Immersion
Compression
Normal Angle Beam
(Compression) (Shear) (Shear by
Angulation)
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Transducers / Probes / Search Units Compression Probe
Immersion Type Contact Type

Generate compressional or longitudinal waves in test material.
Angle Beam Type Some times called Normal Probes or Straight Beam Probes.
Single
Crystal
Angle Beam Probe Angle Beam Probe
In angle probes, a piezo-electric crystal mounted on a Perspex

wedge at an angle calculated to generate a shear (transverse) Why Perspex as Wedge?
wave in the test material.
 Compression velocity in perspex (2730m/s) is less than the
shear velocity (3250m/sec) in steel. So refracted angle is
greater than incident angle (Snell Law).
 Perspex is very absorptive and attenuates unwanted echoes
from the compressional wave as it hits the perspex test
material interface.
Perspex wedge
Angle probes sometimes used to
A compression generate a surface wave.
probe is on an
Standard angles: 450, 600 & 700. angle cut wedge.
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Practice Problem Single Crystal Probe
Calculate the cut angle in perspex wedge to have the 450 shear  Transmits and receives ultrasound with one crystal:
beam refracted angle in steel?
Vp=2730 m/s
VS= 3250 m/s
R=450
Answer I= 36.40
Single Crystal Probe Single Crystal Probe
 Signal appears on the screen at the beginning of the time base, Length of the initial pulse is the dead zone.
Signal from near surface reflector will be
named as initial pulse, transmission signal, crystal strike or merged in initial pulse & will be undetectable.
main bang.
IP IP
Initial Pulse
B
BWE
F F
Flaw Echo
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Twin Crystal Probes Twin Crystal Probes
 Twin crystal probe contain separate

transmitter and receiver crystals, also
named as dual, TR or SE crystal probe.
 If crystal is not at angle, pulse will be
reflected straight back into the
transmitting crystal.
 Delay lines reduce the dead zone.
 Double crystal probes can be focused.
 Can measure thin plate.
 Can detect near surface flaws.
 Has good near surface resolution.
Twin Crystal Probes Immersion Probes
Disadvantages  Used in immersion technique where test part and probe are
 Good contact is difficult with curved surfaces. immersed in water.
 Difficult to size small defects accurately as the width of a  Squirter or bubbler system are variation of immersion test:
double crystal probe is usually greater than that of a single  Have impedance matching layer that helps to get more sound
crystal probe. energy into the water and in turn, into the component being
 The amplitude of a signal decreases if a reflector is situated inspected.
away from the focal distance.  Available in a flat, cylindrically or spherically focused lens.
 Cross talk.  A focused transducer can improve sensitivity and axial
resolution by concentrating the sound energy to a smaller area.
Therefore
 These are high frequency probes.
Single and twin crystal probes are complementary to
each other
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Immersion Probes Focused Immersion Probes
SQUIRTER UNFOCUSED UNFOCUSED
Modified Immersion Probes Delay Line Probes
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Delay Line Probes Phased Array

 Introduce a time delay between the generation of the sound
wave and the arrival of any reflected waves.
 Allows the crystal to complete its transmission function before
it begins to receive returning signals.
 Used with a contact transducer for good near surface
resolution.
 Use to gauge the precise thickness of thin materials and
delamination checks in composite materials.
 Provide the insulation from heat, so used for high temperature
applications.
Test Techniques
Pulse Echo
Through Transmission
Test Techniques Tandem Scanning
Contact Scanning
Gap Scanning
Immersion Testing
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Pulse Echo Technique Pulse Echo Technique

Use single probe to transmit and receive ultrasound.
IP
BE Normal Probe
delamination 0 2 4 6 8 10
plate
IP = Initial pulse Angle Beam Probe

F = Flaw
BE = Backwall echo
Pulse Echo Technique Through Transmission Technique
Advantages: Transmitter probe on one side and receiver probe is on opposite

side, precisely facing each other.
 Widely used technique.
 Access is required from one surface only.
 Detect type, size and exact location of the indication within
the item being tested.
Disadvantages:
 Depend on defect orientation.
 Maximum signal will be recieved when defect is normal to the
path of the sound beam.
Flaw Signal
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Through Transmission Technique Through Transmission Technique
Advantages:
 Less attenuation of sound energy.
 No probe ringing.
 No dead zone on the screen.
 Orientation of a defect does not matter.
Disadvantages:
 Defect location and type cannot be determined.
 Component surfaces must be parallel.
 Vertical defects do not show.
 Process must be automated.
 Must be access to both sides of the component.
Tandem Scanning Tandem Scanning

It involves the use of two or more angle probes of the same angle
of incidence and facing the same surface with one probe acting as
the transmitter and the other(s) as receivers
Used mainly to locate defects lying perpendicular to the surface.
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Contact Scanning Gap Scanning

 Scanning with ultrasonic probe(s) in direct contact with the  Gap scanning is a technique in which the probe is not in direct
object under examination (with or without couplant). contact with the surface of the specimen but is coupled to it
 Normal a thin film of couplant between the probe and the test through a column of liquid, not more than a few wavelengths
surface serves to both transmit ultrasound and to lubricate the thick.
surface and reduce wear on the probe face.
 Ideally the acoustic impedance of the couplant should be
between that of the probe (Perspex) and the material under
test.
Immersion Testing Immersion Testing

 Three basic techniques used in immersion testing: 1 2
 Immersion technique, surface =
sound water delay
 Bubbler & Squirter technique
entry
 Wheel transducer technique.
backwall flaw
 Used in automatic ultrasonic testing.
Uniform couplant conditions are obtained. IP IP

IE 1 IE 2
 Longitudinal and transverse waves can be generated with the
same probe simply by changing the incident beam angle.
BE BE
 Frequently uses high frequency probes (10-50MHz) and F
focused probes for automated inspections and is suited to the
inspection of complex components. 0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
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 In immersion technique both the probe and the test specimen  When the normal beam technique is being used, the water path
are immersed in water. distance must always be longer than the distance S.
 Ultrasonic beam is directed through water into the test
specimen, using either a normal beam technique for generating
longitudinal waves (fig.a) or an angle beam technique for
generating transverse waves (fig.b) .
 When the specimen is steel, the water path distance must be

longer than 1/4 steel thickness otherwise the 1st backwall echo
overlaps the 2nd surface echo and defects near the backwall
may not be seen.

 In the bubbler or squirter technique, the ultrasonic beam is  In the wheel transducer technique, the ultrasonic beam is
directed through a water column into he test specimen . projected through a water-filled tire into the test specimen.
 Usually used with an automated system for high speed  The probe, mounted on the wheel axle, is held in a fixed
scanning of plate, sheet, strip, cylindrical forms and other position while the wheel and tire rotate freely.
regularly shaped forms.
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Practice Problem
Direct contact, Direct contact, Delay Lines
single element probe dual element probe
Presentation
Through transmission Immersion testing
Presentation Presentation
A-Scan B-Scan C-Scan
 The flaw detector or UT set sends ultrasound energy into test
materials and some of this returns to the set to be presented as
information on a CRT screen.
 Following are the scan display:
• A Scan Display
• B Scan Display
• C Scan Display
• D Scan Display
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A Scan Display: B Scan Display:
 Amplitude of signals displayed as a function of time or  Gives an end or cross-sectional view of the component being
distance. examined with the position of the probe displayed on one axis
and the distance from the surface to the signal on the other.
 Used in immersion testing with an automated scanning device.
Typically used in applications

such as corrosion monitoring
and lamination detection in
metals as well as composites
C Scan Display: D Scan Display:
 C scan gives a plan view of a defect.  The D scan gives a side view of the defect seen from a
 Used as an automated process to map out laminations in plate. viewpoint normal to the B scan.
 Gives the area of a defect, so it is good for plotting the extent  It is usually automated and shows the length & depth of the
of laminations in sheets. defect.
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Ultrasonic Flaw Detector

Principles:
Ultrasonic Flaw Detector
Cathode Ray Tube Cathode Ray Tube

 Heater H heats the cathod C.
 Measures very small periods of time.
 Negatively charged cathod C emits the electron by process
 Displays electrical pulses on a screen in a linear time/distance called thermionic emission.
relationship.
 Above process can be performed by a filament.
 The longer the distance on the screen time base, the longer the
time that has been elapsed / measured.  Potential difference created by applying the voltage across the
cathod (nagative) and anode (positive).
 The resultant electron beam is focused by the focusing
cylinder F to make it appear on the fluorescent screen S as a
spot.
 As the electrons travel toward the CRT screen S, they pass two
pairs of deflecting plates X and Y.
 A voltage applied to the X plates would deflect the electron
beam horizontally while a voltage applied to the Y-plates
would deflect the beam vertically.
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Cathode Ray Tube Pulse Generation

 The X plates control horizontal movement and the Y plates  A timer which gives out a number of electrical pulses every
control vertical movement. By altering the potential of the X second, also called the pulse repetition rate or pulse
and Y plates, the dot can be moved on the screen. repetitions frequency (PRF).
 Must not be confused with probe frequency.
+  The PRF on most sets is about 1000 pulses/sec (PPS), though
Uv
- this can be varied on most sets from 50 PPS for thick
specimens to 1250 PPS for thinner specimens.
+ -  The pulse generator sends the pulse to the time base generator
Uh on the CRT and to the pulse transmitter.
 The time base generator sends the electron beam spot moving
uniformly across the CRT screen by putting a charge into the
X plates in the tube.
0 2 4 6 8 10 0 2 4 6 8 10
Pulse Generation Range Control (Time Base)

 Simultaneously the pulse transmitter sends an electric voltage  Varies the speed of the electron beam across the screen.
(usually 100-1000V) through the coaxial cable to the piezo-  It is divided into coarse range which allows large changes in
electric crystal in the probe. range, say 10 to 100 to 500mm, and the fine range which
 The crystal vibrates, transmitting the pulse of sound into the allows small adjustments in distances between these.
test material.  For thick specimens the spot travels slowly.
 At the end of each pulse the electron beam spot on the CRT  For thin specimens its speed is increased.
screen flies back to the left-hand side of the screen to await  Adjusting the speed of the spot in relation to the time taken
the next pulse.
for the sound pulse to enter the test specimen and to be
 Only one pulse must be in the test material at one time reflected back to the probe is called setting a time base.
otherwise confusing echoes will result.  If the speed of the spot across the screen is not even, as a
 For this reason the PRF is lowered when thicker specimens result of equipment failure, we say the time base is not linear.
are examined.  Flaw detectors should be checked frequently to assess time
base linearity.
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Delay Control (Time Base) Range & Delay Control

 The delay control makes the time base generator wait before
sending the spot moving across the screen.
 Twin crystal and angle probes have Perspex blocks or wedges
between the crystal and the test material.
 Delay control used to move the spot sideways off the display,
so the passage time/distance of the ultrasound through the
Perspex in the probe does not appear on the screen.
 If you only want to look at the bottom 25mm of a 200mm
specimen, you can adjust the delay so that the spot begins to
travel across the screen at 175mm.
Calibrated Gain/Attenuator Control Calibrated Gain/Attenuator Control

(Receiver) (Receiver)
 Sound pulse sent into the test material is reflected back at the Attenuator (Calibrated Gain /Attenuator Control):
proper angle, returns to the probe and hits the receiver crystal.
 A variable resistance which controls the current passed on to
 The crystal sends AC current (.001-1V) back to the receiver. the CRT.
Receiver Components:  Connected to the Y-Plate.
 Amplifier (Narrow Band and Broad Band)  Controls the amplitude of a signal by controlling the current.
 Rectifier  Comparing the height of one signal with the height of
 Attenuator another.
 Amplifier amplifies the signal and filters out irrelevant  Two information's retrieved :
signals. a) Position of a reflector below the probe.
 Rectifier rectify the signal before going to the CRT (Convert b) Comparative amount of energy reflected from that
the RF (radio frequency) signal to video spike) reflector to be compared with reference reflector.
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Practice Problem Reject/Suppression Control
 Used to reduce the noise level, normally named as hash or

grass.
 Grass/Hash/Noise caused by high attenuation material
(course grain size, specially casted products).
 Alter the vertical linearity of the equipment, so must NOT be
used if readings related to the decibel are made.
Received from Probe Amplified (RF)
Should be in off
position in accordance
with ASME V.
Rectified (Video Spike)
Calibration & Sensitivity

V1 Block:
Calibration & Sensitivity
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Calibration & Sensitivity Calibration & Sensitivity

V1 Block: V2 Block:
This block is generally used for:
 Time base (Range) calibration for both NP & AP.
 Determination of probe index & probe angle.
 Time base linearity.
 Screen height linearity.
 Amplitude control linearity.
 Resolving power & penetrative power.
 Pulse length & dead zone check.
 The setting of sensitivity.
Particularly suitable for short near field lengths and the time base
calibration of small diameter normal and angle probes.

Angle Probes Angle Probes
Initial Checks & Calibration Probe Index (Exit Point):
 Probe Index  The point at which the center of the beam leaves the probe
 Probe Angle and enters the test material is called the probe index or exit
 Range calibration with V1 Block. point.
 Range calibration with V2 Block.  Marked on each side of the probe and checked regularly.
 Surface wears of probe Can be change the probe index and
probe angle.
 Stand-off measurements are taken from the probe index and
are used to check the probe angle.
 Master reference point or datum.
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Probe Index (Exit Point):
 To find the probe index place the probe on a V1 block and
obtain an echo from the 100mm radius and establish at more
than 50% FSH (Normally 80% FSH) using the gain control.
 Maximize the echo by moving the probe backwards and
forwards.
 Mark a line on each side of the probe directly above the slots
which indicate the center of the 100mm radius.
 This is the probe index, where the axis of the beam leaves the
perspex shoe.

Probe Angle: Probe Angle:
 Place the 450 or 600 probe onto V1 block approximately
adjacent to where the appropriate angle is inscribed, and
directed toward the plastic insert hole (50mm).
 Obtain a signal on the screen from the plastic insert and
maximize it.
 Find the position where the probe index coincides with the
angle indicated on the side of the V1 block and this will be
the probe angle.
 Above procedure can be repeated for a 700 probe but
reflecting the energy from the plastic insert radius is
unreliable, use of the 1.5mm hole is suggested as a target.
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Share Waves Share Waves
Range Calibration With V1 Block (200mm FSW): Range Calibration With V1 Block (200mm FSW):
 Place the probe on the V1 block and obtain BWE from the
100mm radius.
 Establish this signal to more than 50%FSH (Normally 80%)
1st BWE
using the gain control.
 Maximize the echo by moving the probe backwards and
forwards. 2nd BWE
 Establish a 2nd BWE at 200mm range using range control.
 Adjust the 1st BWE from 100mm at 5 (half-scale) and the one
from 200mm at 10 (full scale), using the delay and range
controls. The time base is calibrated for 200mm.
 Longer ranges can be catered for in multiples of 100mm.

 Place the probe on the block and point it at the 25mm arc.
 Adjust the delay and range controls until two echo's on the
screen represents 25mm and 100mm.
 Maximize the signals by sliding the probe forward and
backward.
 Adjust range and delay until the first echo comes at 2.5 and
second echo comes at 10 across the screen.
 The time base now represents 100mm range.
 Can be verified by pointing the probe at the 50mm arc. If
calibrated correctly, the maximized signal will come up
exactly at 5.
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 Adjust the delay and range controls until three echo's on the
screen represents 50mm, 125 mm and 200mm.
backward.
 Adjust range and delay until the first echo comes at 2.5 and
second at 6.25 and third at 10 across the screen.

 Adjust the delay and range controls until four echo's on the
screen represents 25mm, 100 mm, 175mm and 250mm.
backward.
 Adjust range and delay until the first echo comes at 1 and
second at 4, third at 7 and fourth at 10 across the screen.
 Check on the 100mm arc of V1 block, first echo should be at
4 and second at 8 across the screen.
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Flaw Location
By Trigonometery:
 Angle of the probe and beam path (metal path or range) of
indication should be known.
Flaw Location  Stand off also named as surface distance.
450 Probe-Range ≈ 1.5 x Depth

600 Probe-Range = 2 x Depth
700 Probe-Range ≈ 3 x Depth
Flaw Location Flaw Location

By Trigonometery: By Trigonometery:
 Skip distance and beam path length to be calculated as follow.  Depth in next consecutive legs can be calculated as follow.
Depth = Range x Cosθ --- For 1st leg.
Full Skip Distance = 2TxTanθ Full Beam Path Length = 2T /Cosθ Depth = 2t-Range x Cosθ --- For 2nd leg.
Half Skip Distance = TxTanθ Half Beam Path Length = T /Cosθ Depth = Range x Cosθ-2t --- For 3rd leg.
Depth = 4t-Range x Cosθ --- For 4th leg.
Depth = Range x Cosθ-4t --- For 5th leg.
Flaw Depth Flaw Depth
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Flaw Location Flaw Location

By Flaw Location Slide: Surface Distance By Flaw Location Slide:
 Draw a cross section of the weld on the transparent outer
envelope of the slide.
 Draw a mirror image of the weld cross section immediately
under it if inspection is performed in 2nd leg.
 Use the printed datum line on the plastic envelope as the
center of the weld.
 Maximise the echo from a flaw and measure the stand-off
distance from the weld center line to probe exit point on
parent metal.
Beam Path/Metal  Note the range (metal path) of the flaw from the UFD screen.
Path
Flaw Location
By Flaw Location Slide:
 Move the datum line on the plastic envelope to the stand-off
distance.
 Look along the center of the beam plot until you come to the Flaw Sizing
range shown on the screen.
 Make a mark on the envelope; this will represent the flaw
location.
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Flaw Sizing Flaw Sizing

6dB Drop Method: 6dB Drop Method:
 Used for sizing of reflectors which are equal to or greater
than beam width.
 If the probe is moved until the signal amplitude from a
reflector drops to half its original screen height, then the
sound beam will be half on and half off the reflector.
 So by moving the probe until the signal from the end of a
large reflector halves in height, we can thus estimate that the
edge of the reflector is at the center of the probe.
 This method is called the 6dB drop sizing method because the
amplitude of the signal drops by half which corresponds to
6dB when the probe is moved to the edge of a large reflector.

 This method utilizes, the edge of the ultrasonic beam where
the intensity falls to 10% (i.e. 20 dB) of the intensity at the
central axis of the beam for the determination of flaw size.
Procedure:
 Position the probe to get a maximum flaw echo amplitude.
 Adjust the echo amplitude to some convenient scale on the

CRT screen using the gain control of the flaw detector;
 Move the probe first across the flaw in one direction until the
echo amplitude falls to 10% of its original height (i.e. by 20
dB).
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 Mark the position of the probe index on the surface of the test Beam Width = D + 2(d-N) tanθ
specimen at this position;
Where;
 Now move the probe in the opposite direction through the
d = Defect depth
maximized echo position until the echo amplitude again falls
to 10 % of its original height; N = Near field length
 mark the position of the probe index on the surface at this D = Probe diameter
position;  Subtract the beam width from the distance measured between
 Measure the distance between the two markings; two markings. this will thus give the dimension of the flaw.
 Determine the beam width at the flaw depth from the beam  This method give more accurate sizing but also overestimate
profile diagram or from the equation below. the size of the flaw.

Normal Beam Profile (-20db): Normal Beam Profile (-20db):
 Get the maximum signal from hole at the depth of 13mm on  Move the probe to one side of the hole until the signal drops
IOW block using normal probe by moving the probe across it. to 10%FSH (-20dB) and mark the center of the probe on the
 Turn the signal to FSH using gain. side of the block.
 Mark the position of the middle of the probe on the side of
the block.
100% FSH
10%FSH
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Normal Beam Profile (-20db): Normal Beam Profile (-20db):
 Move the probe to other side of the hole until the signal drops  Move the probe to other side of the hole until the signal drops
to 10%FSH (-20dB) and mark the center of the probe on the to 10%FSH (-20dB) and mark the center of the probe on the
side of the block. side of the block.
10%FSH
10%FSH
 Note down the distance at a depth of 13 mm on a paper.

Normal Beam Profile (-20db): Angle Beam Profile:
 Repeat the same procedure for holes at the depth of 25 mm &  Use 1.5mm side-drilled holes (SDH) at different depths on
32 mm on IOW block. IOW block.
 Use a 20dB beam edge for 450 and 600 probes, but
 Use a 10dB for 700 probes. (Wide beam with 20dB).
 For 450 , use the holes at the depth of 19, 25 and 32mm
 For 600, use the holes at the depth of 13, 19 and 25mm
 Repeat the same procedure as in the normal beam profile, but
beam profile shall be drawn on the slide chart.
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Flaw Sizing
Angle Beam Profile:
Sensitivity Setting
(Pre Reference Level)
Sensitivity Setting Sensitivity Setting

 Setting a sensitivity level is essential to provide reproducible Following calibration blocks and method are used to set the
results from the same inspection carried out by different sensitivity setting:
operators using different probe set combinations and maybe • IOW Block (SDH)
working in different locations.
 The purpose of sensitivity setting is to find a gain level • Distance Amplitude Blocks (SDH)
sufficient to find a flaw. • Distance Amplitude Blocks (FBH)
 Sensitivity depends on the: • DGS Method (FBH)
• Probe used, in particular its frequency. • Noise Method
• Flaw detector.
• Properties of the test material.
• Ratio of BWE or flaw echo to noise.
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IOW Block IOW Block
 Obtain a signal from 1.5 mm SDH at depth equivalent to the
corresponding test thickness.
 Turn the gain control until the signal is at FSH and note the
gain value (dB Value from UFD).
 Add the transfer correction.
 Sensitivity is set now and can be assured that flaws having
the equivalent reflectivity of 1.5mm SDH will appear on the
screen.
Note: Doube the thickness if examination need to be carried at
full skip distance.

IOW Block Distance Amplitude Block (SDH): ASME
Advantages For NP & AP
 Simple to use.
 Provides a uniform system of reference.
 A fairly large and visible echo is assured from small flaws.
 Side-drilled hole reflectors are independent of angle.
Disadvantages
 Block is heavy and expensive.
 Only refers to 1.5mm side drilled holes.
 Not a reliable method for sizing defects.
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Distance Amplitude Block (SDH): Distance Amplitude Block (SDH):
DAC Construction Procedure: DAC Construction Procedure:
 Calibrate the time base for the maximum sound path length to
be used.
 Adjust the gain so that the amplitude from the series of
reflectors falls between 20-80% FSH.
 Obtain a signal from the first reflector and maximise it to
80% FSH or as in accordance with reference code.
 Without altering the gain setting, maximize the amplitude of
each reflector in turn and mark the tip of the signal, either on
the screen or on a transparent overlay.
 Record the gain setting used for plotting the DAC curve.

Distance Amplitude Block (SDH): Distance Amplitude Block (SDH):
Split DAC: Advantages:
 A quick way of accepting or rejecting discontinuities without
 Split DAC shall be used too much time consumed in sizing reflectors.
when signal hight falls  Some idea can be gained of the discontinuities size in relation
below 20% FSH from to reference holes.
corresponding reflector.
 Uniformity provided by all technicians constructing their
curves from the same test block.
Disadvantages:
 Curves must be constructed for each probe in conjunction
with each set.
 Transfer correction must be worked out.
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Distance Amplitude Block (FBH): Distance Amplitude Block (FBH):
 Blocks are drilled with flat bottomed holes to precise
diameters and set distances from the top of the block.
 These diameters and distances are stamped on the side of the
block.
 When setting sensitivities the specification or technique will
specify the block to be used and the amplitude of signal to be
obtained from the FBH.
 Blocks are cut for use with normal probes or angle probes in
different materials.
 Also known as Alcoa series-B or Hitt blocks.

Distance Amplitude Block (FBH): Normal Probe Distance Amplitude Block (FBH):
 There are 19 blocks in an Alcoa Advantages:
series-B set.  Easy to use.
 Metal distances:  Uniformity assured when different technicians use the same
i. 1/16" (1.59 mm). blocks.
ii. 1/8 " (3.17mm) through 1" (25.4 mm) in  Blocks can be made from different materials.
1/8" (3.17 mm) increments. Disadvantages:
iii. 1-1/4" (31.7 mm) through 5-3/4“ (146  Fairly rigid system for specific applications.
mm) in 1/2" (12.7 mm) increments  Large number of blocks needed for different settings.
 Transfer correction usually needed.
A block marked 3-0075 has a 3/64" (1.19
mm) diameter hole and a 3/4" (19.6 mm)  Blocks for angle probes are rarely cut exactly normal to the
metal distance. beam.
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Distance Gain Sizing (DGS): Distance Gain Sizing (DGS) Method:
 Relies on the laws of large and small reflectors in the far zone. Advantages:
 Relate the amplitude of a large reflector such as a backwall, to  Can choose a gain level for sizing.
various sizes of perfect disc reflectors (flat-bottomed holes) at  Tells you the smallest defect you can find at a given range.
different distances.  Provides the basis for an accept/reject system.
 Provides minimum equivalent reflector size (ERS) size but not  It gives a rough equivalent to the size of a flaw.
a exact or actual flaw size. It means flaw size is not at least
 Uniformity between results from different technicians.
smaller than the equivalent reflector size.
 Use a typical diagram for any normal probe irrespective of its
size and frequency.
 Individual DGS diagrams are drawn for each design, size and
frequency of angle beam probe.

Distance Gain Sizing (DGS) Method: Distance Gain Sizing (DGS) Method: (Normal Probe)
Disadvantages:  The horizontal scale gives the normalized distance (A) in near
 Operators must keep referring to a chart and making field lengths of the sound beam in the subject material.
calculations.
A = d/N --- (Eq. a)
 Attenuation must be taken into account.
 The vertical scale represents the gain values measured in dB.
 No account is taken of flaw orientation.
 To make the diagram independent of the diameter of the probe
 Most effective on small defects.
the values of the disc reflector (G) curves are normalized as:
 An equivalence system not a sizing system.
 Flaw surfaces and shapes are not ideal reflectors, therefore G = R/Deff --- (Eq. b)
Where,
signal amplitudes are not the same as a comparative flat-
bottomed hole. d = Real distance in mm N = Near field length in mm
R = Real disc reflector diameter in mm (ERS)
Deff = Effective crystal diameter in mm
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Plate thickness= 100 mm NP Frequency= 5 MHZ 5. Gain difference between the flaw echo and BWE at 60mm is
NP Diameter = 10mm Flaw distance=60 mm (30-16=14dB).
Velocity= 5950 m/s (Steel) Flaw singal at FSH= 30 dB. 6. Look down the scale 14dB at 3N from the BWE which is
ERS (R)=? equal to 20 dB and found the corresponding curve with 0.3
approximately.
1. Calculate the near field length: N= 21mm 7. Multiply the 0.3 with probe diameter.
2. Calculate the normalized distance (A) for both BWE at 8- R= 0.3X10mm = 3mm.
100mm and flaw distance at 60mm.
3. A at 100mm is 4.76 ≈5 and A at 60mm is 2.85 ≈3.
4. Assume from UT set at FSH, BWE gain at 100 mm is 20 dB.
Then as per law of large reflector, BWE gain at 60mm will
be 16dB, 4 dB less than at 100 mm. (100/60=1.6 , so 1.6X =
4dB).
Practice Problem
Second Method: (More Suitable)
1. Note the BWE dB (100mm) value at 5N from DGS diagram
≈14+6 which is 10 dB (G1).
=20 dB 2. From UT set at FSH, Flaw dB value at 60mm is 30dB (G2)
and BWE at 100 is 20 dB (G3).
3. Take Difference: G2-G3 =30-20=10dB (G4).
4. Add: G1+G4= 10+10= 20 dB
5. Intersect the 20 dB value at 3N on DGS diagram.
Corresponding curve value is 0.3mm.
(For NP)
≈0.3 6. R= 0.3x10=3mm (ERS).
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Noise Method:
 Adjust the maximum range for examining the test material.
 Place the probe on the material with couplant applied.
 Turn up the gain until you have 2mm grass on the screen at the
maximum range.
 Any discontinuity larger than the grain size will show up on the
screen.
(For AP)
Sensitivity Setting Transfer Correction

Noise Method:
 Allowance for the differences in sound energy transfer between
Advantages test material and reference block with same equipment is
 Quick and easy. known as Transfer correction.
 No reference block is needed. Normal Probe Method:
 Any defect larger than the material grains will show up.  Place the probe on the reference block and turn the BWE up
 No transfer correction needed. to FSH. Note the gain settings.
Disadvantages  Now place the probe on the test material and at a similar
 No accurate sizing of the defect. range bring the BWE to FSH. Again note the gain setting.
 Discontinuities near the surface of the test material may be  The difference between them is the transfer correction.
hidden in the grass.
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Transfer Correction Signal to Noise Ratio

Angle Probe Method:  Measure of detectability of a flaw and the effect of the other
 Place the two probes opposite each other on the reference factors
block with one probe transmitting and the other receiving, so  Measure of the signal from the defect compares to other
that the sound energy is bounced off the backwall and caught background reflections (Noise).
by the receiving probe (pitch and catch).  A S/N ratio of 3-1 is often required as a minimum.
 Maximise the signal and adjust the gain until it is at FSH.  The absolute noise level and the absolute strength of an echo
 Place the two probes on a piece of test material of the same from a small defect depends on a number of factors:
thickness as the reference block and repeat the process. • Probe size and focal properties.
 Note the difference between the two gain settings. • Probe frequency, bandwidth and efficiency.
 This is the transfer correction needed. • Inspection path and distance (water and/or solid).
• Interface (surface curvature and roughness).
Signal to Noise Ratio Signal to Noise Ratio

• Flaw location with respect to the incident beam.  General factors to consider with respect to S/N and therefore
• Inherent noisiness of the metal microstructure. defect detection, are they:
• The inherent reflectivity of the flaw which is dependent • Increase with increasing flaw size.
on its acoustic impedance, size, shape and orientation. • Flaw detectability is directly proportional to its area.
• Cracks and volumetric defects can reflect ultrasonic • Increase with a more focused beam.
waves quite differently. • Flaw detectability is inversely proportional to the
• Many cracks are invisible from one direction and strong transducer beam width.
reflectors from another. • Increase with decreasing pulse width.
• Multi-faceted flaws will tend to scatter sound away from • Flaw detectability is inversely proportional to the duration
the transducer. of the pulse produced by an ultrasonic transducer.
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Signal to Noise Ratio

• The shorter the pulse (often higher frequency), better the
detection of the defect.
Ultrasonic Equipment Checks

• Shorter pulses correspond to broader bandwidth
frequency response.
• Decrease in materials with high density and/or a high
ultrasonic velocity.
• The S/N is inversely proportional to material density and
acoustic velocity.
• Generally increase with frequency.
Ultrasonic Equipment Checks Time Base Linearity

Following are the equipments charateristic to be checked.  Place the probe on the 25mm thickness of the V1 or V2 block
 Time Base (Horizontal) Linearity with any suitable range and adjust the controls to display ten
 Screen Height or Vertical Linearity BWEs.
 Amplitude Control Linearity (Linearity of Equipment Gain)  Adjust the controls so that the first and last BWEs coincide
with the scale marks at 1 and 10.
 Probe Index & Beam Alignment
 Increase the gain to bring successive backwall echoes to 80%
 Beam Angle
FSH or in accordance with the procedure.
 Sensitivity and Signal-to-Noise Ratio
 The leading edge of each echo should line up with the
 Pulse Duration / Length / Width
appropriate graticule line.
 Resolving Power (Resolution)
 Record any deviations at approximately half screen height.
 Penetration Power
 Deviations should be expressed as a percentage of the range
between the first and last echoes displayed (ie 225mm).
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Time Base Linearity  Screen Height or Vertical Linearity
Tolerance: In Accordance With ASME V (Article 4):

 Unless otherwise specified by the testing standard, a  Position an angle beam search unit on a calibration block.
tolerance of ±2% is considered acceptable.  Obtain indications from both the 1/2T and 3/4T holes give a
Frequency of checking: 2:1 ratio of amplitudes between the two indications.
 At least once per week or in accordance with reference  Adjust the sensitivity (gain) so that the larger indication is set
construction code at 80% of full screen height (FSH).
 Without moving the search unit, adjust sensitivity (gain) to
successively set the larger indication from 100% to 20% of
full screen height, in 10% increments (or 2 dB steps).
 Read the smaller indication at each setting.
 The reading shall be 50% of the larger amplitude, within 5%
of FSH.
 Screen Height or Vertical Linearity  Amplitude Control Linearity
In Accordance With ASME V (Article 4): In Accordance With ASME V (Article 4):
 Alternate: A straight beam  Position an angle beam probe on a basic calibration block.
search unit may be used on  Obtain indication from the 1/2T side-drilled hole about
any calibration block that midway along the time base.
provides amplitude
differences, with sufficient  The echo amplitude is set to a 80% FSH and the attenuator
signal separation to prevent (dB) reading is noted.
overlapping of the two  The attenuator setting is then reduced by 6 dB, four or five
signals. times in succession and the decrease in echo amplitude is
 Frequency: not to exceed noted every time.
three months. Or in  The indication shall fall within the specified limits
accordance with reference
construction code.
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 Amplitude Control Linearity  Sensitivity and Signal to Noise Ratio
In Accordance With ASME V (Article 4):  Provide a simple method which will identify deterioration in
 Alternate: any other convenient reflector from any calibration sensitivity of the probe and flaw detector in combination.
block may be used with angle or straight beam search units.  Place the probe on the V1 calibration block and adjust its
 Frequency: not to exceed three months or in accordance with position to maximize the signal from the 1.5mm diameter
reference construction code. hole.
 Adjust the gain control to set this signal to 20%FSH and note
the dB setting (Sensitivity Value).
 Increase the gain until the overall system noise (electronic
noise and grain structure grass) at the same range as the target
hole reached 20%FSH and note the new dB setting.
 The first gain measurement noted provides a check on the
sensitivity of the probe and flaw detector.
 Sensitivity and Signal to Noise Ratio  Pulse Duration / Length/ Width
 Difference between the first and second measurements (dB)  Calibrate the time base in millimetres to a range that is to be
gives the S/N ratio. used in subsequent testing.
 Frequency: The check shall be carried out once per probe per  Maximise the signal from the 1.5mm side-drilled hole (V1
day or in accordance with procedure. block) for shear wave probes or a BWE for compression
wave probes and set its peak to 100% screen height.
 Measure the width of the signal in millimetres at the 10%
screen height position.
 If desired, the measurement in millimetres can be converted
into microseconds by dividing it by the relevant sound
velocity.
 Frequency: check should be carried out daily or in
accordance with procedure.
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 Pulse Duration / Length/ Width  Resolving Power (Resolution)
 Ability of an ultrasonic flaw detection system to give separate

indication of discontinuities situated close together and
simultaneously within the sound beam.
First Method (Using V1 Block):
 Calibrate the time base to a range of 0-100mm for Normal
Probe .
 A probe is placed on the block and echoes from the three
reflectors (85, 91 & 100 mm) are obtained.
 The separation of the echoes from each other indicates the
degree of resolution of the flaw detector for that particular
probe.
 Resolving Power (Resolution)  Resolving Power (Resolution)
Method (Using V1 Block): Second Method (Using A7 Block):

 Calibrate the time base to a range of 0-100mm for either the
compression or the shear wave probe.
 Place the probe so that the axis of the beam impinges upon
the 2mm step in the A7 calibration block for shear wave
probes, or the 3mm step for compression wave probes.
 Adjust the position of the probe so that the echoes from the
Poor Resolution Better resolution,
two targets are of the same height and approximately half full
graticule height (50% FSH).
 The steps are said to be resolved when their echoes are
clearly separated at half maximum echo height or lower.
 Frequency: check should be carried out daily or in
accordance with procedure.
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 Resolving Power (Resolution)  Penetration Power
 Used to compare the energy output for a particular set and

probe with its past performance or with similar equipment.
Method (Using V1 Block):
 A normal probe is placed on the plastic insert having a
thickness of 23 mm which is equal to 50 mm of steel.
 Gain for the instrument is set to its maximum.
 The number of multiple echoes and the amplitude of the last
echo are noted and are used to express the maximum
penetrative power of the set and the probe.
 Penetration Power
Weld Inspection
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 General Procedure  General Procedure

Collection of information prior to the testing of weld: Following stages are involved to determine the exact nature of.
i. Parent metal specifications. i. Echo amplitude.
ii. Weld joint preparation. ii. Directional reflectivity.
iii. Welding processes. iii. Echostatic pattern.
iv. Parent metal thickness adjacent to the weld. iv. Echodynamic pattern.
v. Any special difficulty experienced by the welder during
welding.
vi. Location of any repair welds.
vii. Reference & Acceptance standards requirements.

Echo amplitude: Directional Reflectivity:
 Compare the amplitude of an indication to DAC level and  Compare variation in echo amplitude from a discontinuity in
classifying it into one of the four categories shown in the relation to the angle at which the ultrasonic beam is incident
table below or in accordance with reference code or upon it.
procedure.  A spherical indication would show the same echo amplitude
over a wide range of incident angles; 45, 60 and 70o for
instance, and is said to have low directional reflectivity.
 S1 indication need not to be evualted. All other indications  A large smooth planar reflector would show a great variation
are processed for directional reflectivity. in echo amplitude and would therefore be said to have high
 ASME VIII Div.1 (App#12): Indication which produce a directional reflectivity.
response greater than 20% of the reference level shall be
investigated to the extent that the operator can determine the
shape, identity, and location of all such imperfections and
evaluate them in terms of the acceptance standards.
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Echostatic pattern. Echodynamic Pattern.
 Analyze the shape of a signal.  Analyze behavior of a signal with respect to probe movement
patterns.
Basic Probe Movements

Echodynamic Pattern. Echodynamic Pattern.
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Echodynamic Pattern. Echodynamic Pattern.

Echodynamic Pattern. Visual Inspection:
 Make visual examination of weld.
 Surface should be free from weld spatter, rust and smooth
enough for scanning.
 Note inaccessible areas.
 Look for surface imperfections, lack of fill, undercut and,

cracks or surface porosity, mismatch and misalignment.
 If surface imperfections exceeding acceptance standard,
should be remedied before carrying out the ultrasonic
inspection.
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Establishment of Exact Location and Size of the Weld: Establishment of Exact Location and Size of the Weld:
Joint with Ground Flush Weld Reinforcement: Joint with Weld Reinforcement:
 By Etching: Etch the weld region to establish the weld width  By Angle probe: Placing the probe first on one side of the
and then identify the weld center line. weld and marking the probe index on the specimen where the
echo from the weld bead is a maximum. On the same side of
 By Normal Probe: The center line of the weld can be
determined by marking the center point of a normal probe at the weld two or three such points are obtained. Then the
two or three locations on the weld at which a maximum echo probe is placed on the other side of the weld and the probe
is obtained from the weld bead. The line joining these points index is again marked at different locations when a maximum
echo from the weld bead is obtained. The center points of
is then the center line of the weld.
lines joining these marks are then determined. When these
points are joined the center line of the weld is obtained.

Establishment of Exact Location and Size of the Weld: Parent Metal Examination (Normal Probe)
 Parent metal should be examined to detect any imperfection
Joint with Weld Reinforcement:
such as laminations, etc., which might interfere with the
 By Angle probe: subsequent angle beam probe examination of the weld, and
also to assess the thickness of the parent metal.
 The examination should be over a band which is greater than
the full skip distance for the largest angle beam probe
(usually 70° probe) to be used.
 Use either a single crystal or a twin crystal probe, normally
with a 2 to 6 MHz frequency. Higher frequency is preferable.
 The setting of sensitivity for this examination should be in
accordance with the relevant specification or code of practice.
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Parent Metal Examination (Normal Probe) Parent Metal Examination (Normal Probe)

With Normal Probe & Joint with Ground Flush Weld Selection of Probe Angle:
Reinforcement:  Surface Condition: A lower frequency is better on a rough
 Weld body can be examined. surface from the point of view of coupling efficiency.
 Bonding at the root can be checked If a backing bar has been  Curved Surface: Small probes do not rock to the same extent
used. as large ones.
 Root on a double sided weld can be checked.  Type of Material: The transmission of sound waves varies
 Lack of penetration at the root may be detected. with basic material types, and with the condition of the
 For a single V weld: lack of inter-run fusion and large pockets
material. In weld metal, which is often coarsely crystalline,
of slag can be revealed. the sound can be greatly impeded. This is especially true for
austenitic stainless steel, where large crystals reflect some of
the sound back to the receiver, often to the extent that
ultrasonic testing is impractical..
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Selection of Probe: Selection of Probe:
 Internal metallurgical structure: The grain size in the parent  Accuracy: In general, high frequency probes provide greater
material can also affect the transmission of sound. When the accuracy in determining the size of the flaws.
grain size, or the size of precipitates or inclusions begins to  Scanning Speed: Where large flaws are to be covered as in
get greater than 10% of the wavelength it can refract or initial detection of flaws; large probes of low frequency,
reflect sound, leading to attenuation or noise. provide rapid scanning.
 Penetration: In a given material, low frequency waves will  Range Selection:
penetrate further, than high frequency waves. • Make the beam path, in relation to frequency, sufficiently
 Resolution: High frequency probes have superior resolution short, to avoid excessive attenuation.
characteristics, so that small flaws can be found more readily, • Subject to considerations of probe angle, nature of defects
than with low frequency probes. and beam spread, the representative ranges may be up to 200
mm (8 in) for frequencies of 2 to 6 MHz and up to 400 mm
(16 in) for frequencies of 1 to 1.5 MHz.
 General Procedure  Examination of Root

Selection of Probe: Scanning Procedure:
 Probe angle:  Selection of probe angle in accordance with procedure.
• Selected angles shall be able to obtain an echo from all flaws.  Calibration of time base on a suitable range.
• Orientation of flaw has a significant effect on echo signal  Determination of the correct probe index and angle using VI
unless the probe angle is favorable for normal reflection., e.g. or V2 block.
lack of fusion on side walls and at the root, and cracks.  Calculation of 1/2 skip distance (Stand off) and 1/2 beam
• The probe angles most generally suited to different path length (1/2 BPL-Range) for the selected probe.
thicknesses.  Marking of the scan lines at 1/2 skip distance from the weld
• A beam incident on a reflecting surface at 300 will result in center line on both sides of weld.
mode conversion, and in a loss of shear wave energy of up to  Setting the gain sensitivity for scanning and evaluation.
20 dB (90%). Further, a fraction of surface waves is
generated by 800 probes.
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 Examination of Root  Examination of Root

Scanning Procedure: Scanning Procedure:
 Place the probe index point on the line and put a magnetic
ruler or strip behind it as a guide.
 A scan is made by moving the probe slowly from one end of
the specimen to the other, so that the probe index always
coincides with the scan line.
 Areas with echoes from defects are marked on the specimen
for subsequent examination to establish the nature and size of
the defects.

Root Flaws: Lack of Penetration:
 Signals from a good root should be small while imperfection  Indication will appear at ½ BPL (range) from both side.
will give a large signal.  Good corner reflector.
 Signals from a fully penetrated root will usually appear just  Large echo amplitude compare to root under cut.
beyond the range (1/2 BPL) of the root center, call a standard  No root bead signal.
root /weld bead signal.
 Following are the Root Flaws:
 Lack of Penetration
 Root under cut & Slag inclusion
 Excess Penetration
 Root Concavity
 Root Crack
 Lack of Root fusion
 Misalignment Good Root
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Root Under Cut: Slag Inclusion or Gas Pocket Just Above the Root:
 Indication will appear little short of ½ BPL (range) from one  Indication will appear little short of ½ BPL (range) from both
side and little away from other side. side.
 Less echo amplitude compare to lack of penetration.  Root weld bead signal will also appear.
 Root weld bead signal will also appear.  The echoes will maximize when the probe is moved forward
 The echoes will maximize when the probe is moved from both scanning line.
backwards from one scanning line.

Excess Penetration: Root Concavity:
 Echo amplitude between 10 and 90%, dependent on depth  Echo sharp and large, with reduced range. Often mode
and probe angle. conversion with 60° probe.
 Multi-range signal - echo falls rapidly when traversed with  Probe movement - traverse backwards echo falls more rapidly
700 probe and also range increases. than lack of penetration.
 Probe Movement - echo falls rapidly when angle probe  Measurement - use center of beam and 20dB drop (trailing
traversed forward. edge) for height. Not always possible to measure height.
 Measurement - it is not possible to measure depth with angle
probe. Length difficult but usually by 6dB.
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Root Crack: Root Crack:
 Usually high amplitude response with fir tree appearance.  From side 1 a large echo will appear just where the echo from
 Probe movement - orbit, echo held over large angle. undercut is expected and there will be no accompanying bead
 Lateral, echo held with multi-range signals and variations on
echo.
time base.  From side 2, however, it is possible to get a bead echo as well
 Measurement - 6dB for length. Traverse forward with 20dB

as the defect echo
for height.

Lack of Root Fusion: Misalignment:
 Similar to corner reflector with large, narrow echo from both  Large single echo from one side. No echo from opposite side.
sides.  Probe movement -traverse back echo falls rapidly.
 Probe movement - confirm with 700 probe, when traversed.  Measurement - lateral for 6dB drop.
 Large movement for 20dB drop. Orbit, echo falls rapidly.
 • Measurement - lateral use 6 or 20dB drop. Traverse use 20

dB or 10dB for 700 probe.
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 Examination of Weld Body  Examination of Weld Body

Scanning Procedure: Scanning Procedure:
 Selection of probe angle in accordance with procedure.  Setting the sensitivity of the probe/flaw detector system for
 Calibration of time base on a suitable range. the maximum testing range which in this case is the full BPL.
 Determination of the correct probe index and angle using VI  Scanning the specimen in a zigzag pattern (raster scanning)
or V2 block. between the marked scan limits.

 Calculation of 1/2 & full skip distance and 1/2 BPL & full  Each forward scan should be at right angle to the weld center
beam path length (BPL) for the selected probe. line, and the pitch of the zigzag should be a half probe width
 Marking the parent metal on both sides of the weld with lines
to ensure full coverage.
parallel to the weld center line and at distances of 1/2 skip  Mark the areas, in which defect echoes occur, for subsequent
and full skip +1/2 cap width. location, establishment of nature and sizing of the defects.
 The probe movement may be used to help in establishing the
nature and size of defects.

Scanning Procedure: Selection of Probe Angle:
 The initial choice of probe angle for the weld body scan
depends upon the weld preparation angle.
 The angle should be chosen to meet any lack of sidewall
fusion at right angle for maximum response.
 The angle to meet this fusion face at right angle can be
calculated from:
Probe angle = 900 - θ/2
Where, θ = Weld Preparation Angle
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Weld Body Flaws: Lack of Fusion:
 Following are the weld body flaws:  Echo large, single, narrow at time base when sidewall. Poor
 Lack of fusion echo from opposite side. Confirm by skip scan.

 Probe Movement:
 Crack
 Rotate or orbit: echo falls rapidly.
 Gas Pore (Isolated)  Lateral or traverse: echo height held.
 Porosity  Measurement:
 Linear Inculsion (Slag)  For depth use 20dB.
 For length use 6 or 20dB.

Crack: Gas Pore (Isolated):
 Multiple peak reflector usually high amplitude, but dependent  Spherical even reflector single peak echo, narrow profile,
on type of crack and size, echo with fir tree appearance. similar to drilled hole or radius of calibration block intensity
 Probe Movement: approximately 50% CRT.
 Rotate or orbit: echo falls rapidly but over larger angle  Probe Movement:
than with fusion defects  Rotate: lateral and traverse echo falls rapidly.
 Lateral: signal held with varying height.  Orbit: echo height remains.
 Measurement:  Measurement: Impractical to measure height and length.
 For depth use 20dB.
 For length use 6 or 20dB.
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Porosity: Linear Inclusion (Slag):
 Multiple echo’s. Low intensity 20% CRT broad at time base  Multiple echo may be wide at time base and will be multi-
due to numerous ranges. faceted, due to more than a single range. Height will vary
 Probe Movement: between 20 and 90%.
 Orbit - echoes held with amplitude variations.  Probe Movement:
 Measurement: Indicate area by pin-pointing last maximum  Orbit & Traverse: echo held with varying intensity.
signal from traverse and lateral scans.  Rotational: echo will drop quickly.
 Lateral: produce large variations in height. Perhaps with
total loss of signal for short distances less than beam
width.
 Examination of Weld  Examination of Weld

Transverse Scan (Transverse Crack): Transverse Scan (Transverse Crack):
 Weld cap not dressed:
 Scan is done parallel to the weld center line alongside the
weld cap with the probe inclined towards the center.
 A crack tends to have a ragged edge, it is likely that
some energy will be reflected back to the transmitter.
 A safer technique (Pitch-Catch) is to use a pair of probes,
one transmitting and the other receiving
 Weld cap dressed:
 A scan along the weld center line and several scans
parallel to and on either side of the weld center line, from
each direction, are done to give a full coverage of the
weld.
When weld cap is not dressed
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 Examination of Weld  Examination of Double V Weld

Transverse Scan (Transverse Crack):  Similar to examining the single V weld with few variations.
Root Examination (Method#01):
 Examine the root with a 700 (usually) probe positioned at 1/4
skip distance from the weld center line.
 Run the probe laterally along the weld with sensitivity set in
accordance with procedure at a suitable range; this should
show any lack of penetration at the root.
 Time base range for an echo from lack of penetration cannot
be predicted precisely.
When weld cap is dressed
 Examination of Double V Weld  Examination of Double V Weld

Root Examination (Method#02): Weld Body Examination:
 Use Tandem technique for double V weld root examination  Similar to single V weld examination but scan starts at 1/4
and vertical reflectors inside the material. skip distance from the weld center and goes back to full skip
 For double V welds, the beam is aimed at the center of the plus half weld cap width.
weld and the probe separation is equal to half skip distance  Thickness > 25mm: Scans with 60 and 450 probes from both
for that probe angle. sides of the weld using ¼ to ½ skip distance.
 Probe separation for depth (d) can be calculated as follows:  Thickness ≤ 25mm: Use a 60 and 700 probe from one side of
the weld only between 1/4 and full skip + 1/2 weld cap width.
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 Examination of Pipes  Examination of Pipes

Longitudinal Scan (Pipe):  For a given probe angle, the maximum wall thickness of a
 Longitudinal scan (usually circumferential joint) can be made pipe that allows the center of the beam to reach the bore of
in the same way as butt welds in plates. the pipe can be calculated from the following formula:
Circumferential Scan (Pipe):
 Calibration blocks shall be selected in accordance with pipe
diameter and reference code requirements (i.e. piping
calibration blocks or etc)
 Maximum probe angle (known as limiting angle) shall be
calculated as follow.
Sinθ= ID/OD
 Code and Standard
Review the following codes for understanding.

 ASME V Article 4
 ASME VIII Appendix 12 Thank You
 AWS D1.1 (Part F)
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4/5/2021

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Audible Range: 16Hz - 20KHz

Advantage of Ultrasonic Testing Limitations of Ultrasonic Testing

 Requires coupling medium

 Reference standards are required for calibration

Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection

Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection At reflector interfaces, some of the wave energy

The amount of reflected or transmitted energy

The travel time of the sound can be measured

Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection

Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection Principles of Ultrasonic Inspection

The BWE signal

The depth of the defect can be read with reference

Basic Principles of Sound

Travel through materials by vibrating the particles that make up material

Basic Principles of Sound

Basic Principles of Sound Basic Principles of Sound

Basic Principles of Sound Basic Principles of Sound

Gas Liquid Solid

Basic Principles of Sound Basic Principles of Sound

Understanding wave propagation:

Ball = atom Spring = elastic bonding force

Basic Principles of Sound Basic Principles of Sound

One full Time

From the duration of one oscillation T,

Basic Principles of Sound Basic Principles of Sound

Frequency Range Hz Description Example

0 – 20 Infrasound Earth quake

16 – 20,000 Audible Sound Speech, Music

>20,000 Ultrasound Bat, Quartz Crystal

Basic Principles of Sound Basic Principles of Sound

T During one oscillation T the wave

Basic Principles of Sound Basic Principles of Sound

Velocity of sound in particular material is constant

Resolution Signal Amplitude

Signal Amplitude Practice Problem

 Using the formula, we can discover that:

Practice Problem Practice Problem

Practice Problem Practice Problem

Modes of Sound Wave

So H2= 5X20% = 100 %

Modes of Sound Wave Modes of Sound Wave

Modes of Sound Wave Modes of Sound Wave

Modes of Sound Wave Modes of Sound Wave

Modes of Sound Wave Modes of Sound Wave

Modes of Sound Wave Modes of Sound Wave

Modes of Sound Wave Modes of Sound Wave

Modes of Sound Wave Modes of Sound Wave

Generation Of Ultrasound Generation Of Ultrasound

The transducer is capable of

Generation Of Ultrasound Generation Of Ultrasound

The crystal gets thicker, due

Generation Of Ultrasound Generation Of Ultrasound

Sound wave with

An alternating voltage generates crystal

Generation Of Ultrasound Reception of Ultrasonic Waves

Short pulse Electrical energy Piezoelectrical crystal Ultrasonic wave

A short voltage pulse generates an

Piezo-Electric Crystal Practice Problem

 By varying the thickness of crystals and subjecting them

Thinner the crystal,

Piezo-Electric Crystal Piezo-Electric Crystal