Manual ultrasonic testing (UT) is one of the more common non-destructive testing (NDT) methods performed on materials. This testing utilises high frequency mechanical energy, i.e. high frequency sound waves to conduct examinations and measurements on a test area.
Typically, the UT inspection system consists of a ultrasonic transducer, pulser/receiver, and display unit. A pulser/receiver is an electronic device that can produce high voltage electrical pulses to the transducer. When driven by the pulser, the transducer generates high frequency ultrasonic sound energy into the material in the form of sound waves.
When there are discontinuities such as inclusions, porosity, cracks, etc. in the sound path, part of the mechanical energy will be reflected from the discontinuities' (reflectors') surface.
The reflected sound waves signal received by the transducer is then transformed back into an electrical signal and its intensity is shown on the display unit.
The sound waves travel time can be directly related to the distance that the signal has travelled. From the signal, information about reflector location, size, orientation and other features can be determined.
TWI Resources
TWI has the following Ultrasonic testing equipment:
- Sonatest Masterscan 380M – Manual UT
- Sonatest Masterscan 700M – Manual UT
- Sonatest Wave - Manual UT
- Olympus Omniscan MX2 – Manual UT and TOFD, Phased Array
- Olympus Omniscan MX3 – Phased Array, TOFD, FMC, TFM
- Eddyfi Gekko – Manual UT, TOFD, Phased Array, TFM
- Topaz64 – TOFD, Phased Array, FMC, TFM
Benefits
Some advantages of this method include:
- Capable of portable operation
- Capable of highly automated operation
- Can be performed on a wide range of material types
- High accuracy and reproducibility in flaw detection
- Generally, only one surface needs to be accessible
- Fluid level check in enclosures
- Materials characterisation
Applications
Ultrasonic Testing is widely used for:
For more information about TWI's ultrasonic inspection services, please email:
contactus@twi.co.uk
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