Abstract: The fixing force evaluation method of the present embodiment includes the natural frequency measurement step of measuring the natural frequency of the stator in which the tooth portions and the stator coil are fixed by the insulating paper, and the fixing force evaluation step of evaluating that the fixing force of the insulating paper is larger, when the natural frequency of the stator measured in the natural frequency measurement step is equal to more than a predetermined determination frequency, compared to when the natural frequency is lower than the determination frequency. Thus, since the fixing force of the insulating paper is evaluated in the fixing force evaluation step based on the natural frequency of the stator measured in the natural frequency measurement step, the fixing force of the insulating paper can be evaluated by measuring the natural frequency of the stator without destroying the stator.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection and tensile calibration test method for bonding strength grade comprising bonding an upper substrate block to bonding groove(s) to form a theoretical bonding area, and applying a downward actual tensile force to a lower substrate block; obtaining an actual bonding area of the theoretical bonding area; calculating a first actual bonding strength by using the actual tensile force and the actual bonding area, and comparing the first actual bonding strength with a second actual bonding strength calculated to verify the correctness of the theoretical bonding area as a calibrated bonding strength; forming a bond strength table in which the theoretical bonding areas, the actual bonding areas and the first actual bonding strengths are in one-to-one correspondence; and using the actual bonding area to find the actual bonding strength corresponding to the actual bonding area from the bonding area bonding strength table.

Abstract: A process for quantifying the moisture in a blanket of fibers includes the emission of an incident electromagnetic wave towards the blanket, by at least one emitter; the receiving of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the blanket, by at least one receiver; the identification of a variation of at least one parameter of the transmitted wave relative to the incident wave; the determination of a representative value of moisture in the blanket of fibers, as a function of the variation and of the effective volume of blanket that has actually interacted with the incident wave.

Abstract: An amplitude detecting method and a material tester are provided. As functional blocks of a program that is installed in a personal computer and is stored in a memory, a measurement noise eliminating part that eliminates measurement noise, a vibration noise eliminating part that eliminates vibration noise assumed to be caused by an inertial force according to a natural vibration according to reach of an impact of breakage or destruction of a test piece at the entire tester, an amplitude detecting part that detects the amplitude of a natural vibration superimposed in the data period used for evaluating material characteristics, and a display control part that controls display of an amplitude value of the natural vibration and a test result on the display device are included.

Abstract: Provide an inspection apparatus and an inspection method capable of quickly inspecting a situation of joining between members in a joined body. The inspection apparatus is an inspection apparatus inspecting a situation of joining between a plurality of members in a joined body including the members joined to and overlapped one another.

Abstract: A vibration and noise characteristics measurement device for the measurement of vibration and noise characteristics of structures or objects includes at least one excitation unit for applying excitation for the generation of vibrations on the structure on which vibration and noise characteristics measurements are desired, at least one response sensor for sensing the vibration and/or noise produced by the structure in response to applied excitation, and at least one control unit for controlling excitation unit and/or response sensor.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively inspecting an adhesively bonded assembly of first, second, and third materials includes generating guided waves in the adhesively bonded assembly and establishing a dispersion curve plot in a first reference frame on the basis of receiving the guided waves. The method further includes comparing the dispersion curve plot with a plurality of reference dispersion curves established in the first reference frame, each of the reference dispersion curves being obtained by generating guided waves in a reference adhesively bonded assembly. Finally, the method includes estimating at least one of the thicknesses of the materials in the adhesively bonded assembly under inspection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for checking an assembly comprising first (W1) and second (W2) joined substrates, comprising the following steps: a) transmitting an ultrasonic excitation signal towards the assembly by means of an ultrasonic transducer (301) located on the front face (A1) side of the first substrate (W1); b) measuring, using the transducer (301), an ultrasonic feedback signal including at least one echo (EF) of the excitation signal on the rear face (B2) of the second substrate (W2); c) calculating, using a processing circuit (303), a spectral signal representative of the change in frequency of an overall reflection coefficient of the assembly, defined as the ratio between the feedback signal measured in step b) and the excitation signal; and d) deriving, from said spectral signal, information relating to the quality of the bond between the first (W1) and second (W2) substrates.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus for determining a pull-out capacity of a nail disposed in concrete. The apparatus includes control processing circuitry and a Schmidt hammer electrically connected to the control processing circuitry. The Schmidt hammer is configured to strike the nail during a test event and to record a rebound value for the nail. The control processing circuitry is configured to calculate an estimated pull-out strength for the nail using the rebound value of the nail that resulted from the test event, a predetermined nail length, a predetermined nail penetration depth in the concrete, and an estimated predetermined strength of concrete. The apparatus also includes a remote computer configured to communicate with the control processing circuitry and to store an estimated pull-out strength of the nail. The control processing circuitry includes a memory and a database.

Abstract: A computer-based method to facilitate detecting wheel imbalance, a tire pressure problem, or excessive tread wear on tires of a moving vehicle is disclosed. The method includes collecting (e.g., from an accelerometer of a mobile personal computing device) data that represents vibration that results, at least in part, from the vehicle's motion, and determining, with a computer-based processor, whether the moving vehicle has wheel imbalance, a tire pressure problem, and/or excessive tire tread wear based at least in part on the vibration data produced by the accelerometer (and, possibly other data), where the mobile personal computing device and the accelerometer are moving with the vehicle when the data is being collected.

Abstract: A method for monitoring property changes in a composite material structure includes: transmitting a radio-frequency (RF) signal towards the composite material structure using a millimeter-wave radar sensor embedded in the composite material structure; receiving a reflected signal from the composite material structure using the millimeter-wave radar sensor; processing the reflected signal; and determining a property change in the composite material structure based on processing the reflected signal.

Abstract: A method, a computer program and a system for ultrasonic inspecting of objects is provided. The method comprises positioning (103) a measuring device (11) comprising a plurality of transducers (12) on the inspected object (20) and performing a number of test signal acquisitions (103). Each acquisition includes using one transducer to induce an ultrasonic signal into the test object, and using at least one other transducer to receive an ultrasonic test signal. The inspecting further comprises determining (105, 205) the influence of contact surface variations between each test signal and a reference signal; compensating (106, 206) the full test signal for the contact surface variations; and determining (109) a residual signal. The system comprises a computing device (30), and a measuring system (13) communicatively connected to the computing device (30). The measuring system (13) includes an ultrasound unit (19) and a measuring device (11) provided with a plurality of transducers (12).

Abstract: Embodiments provide a device, a tire pressure measurement system, a tire, a method and a computer program to obtain information indicating a tread depth of the tire. The device to obtain information indicating a tread depth of a tire of a vehicle comprises a transducer to provide acoustical signals based on electrical signals and vice versa. The device further comprises a control unit, which is coupled to the transducer. The control unit is configured to provide the transducer with a first electrical signal based on which the transducer provides an acoustical transmit signal. The control unit is further configured to obtain a second electrical signal from the transducer. The second electrical signal is based on a reflected version of the acoustical transmit signal. The control unit is further configured to process the second electrical signal to obtain information indicating the tread depth of the tire.

Abstract: A device and method for determining characteristics of a concrete sample includes the use of multiple transducers. The transducers may couple to the concrete surface so that they can impart or receive mechanical waves from the sample. An area within a plane in the concrete sample is bounded by a collective extent of mechanical waves that pass through the plane and has a dimension at least as long as a distance between reinforcing bars in the concrete.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus for determining a pull-out capacity of a bolt disposed in concrete. The apparatus includes control processing circuitry and a Schmidt hammer electrically connected to the control processing circuitry. The Schmidt hammer is configured to strike the bolt during a test event and to record a rebound value for the bolt. The control processing circuitry is configured to calculate an estimated pull-out strength for the bolt using the rebound value of the bolt that resulted from the test event, a predetermined bolt diameter, a predetermined bolt embedment length in the concrete, and an estimated predetermined strength of concrete. The apparatus also includes a remote computer configured to communicate with the control processing circuitry and to store an estimated pull-out strength of the bolt. The control processing circuitry includes a memory and a database.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a nondestructive inspection method and nondestructive inspection device for an anchor bolt capable of quantitatively inspecting the health of an anchor bolt fixed to a foundation by a metallic anchor. Provided is a nondestructive anchor-bolt inspection method for inspecting the health of an anchor bolt fixed to a foundation by a metallic anchor, wherein a striking sound is produced through the striking of a portion of the anchor bolt exposed from the surface of the foundation, frequency information is obtained through the reception and frequency analysis of the signal waveform of the striking sound, and the health of the anchor bolt is nondestructively and quantitatively inspected on the basis of the frequency information for the signal waveform. Also provided is a nondestructive inspection device for an anchor bolt.

Abstract: A device for testing a test material for defects within the test material has an acoustic broadband transducer offset from the test material surface during testing by a distance so that the transducer acquires acoustic waves across an air gap from the test material, wherein the acoustic waves arise from impact of an impact member on the test material.

Abstract: A vehicle service system having a means for acquiring images of a three-dimensional region of a vehicle wheel assembly tire tread surface. The vehicle service system is configured to process the acquired images to produce a collection of data points corresponding to the spatial position of surface points in the region from which tire tread wear characteristics are identified. The acquired images are further utilized to provide both a graphical and a numerical display to an operator, with the numerical display linked to specifically annotated or indexed points or windows within the graphical display, thereby enabling an operator to quickly identify specific focus points or regions on the tire surface which have been measured at the numerically identified tread depths.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for insulating a component of a home or building. An insulated component may include a generally planar surface and a frame positioned atop one side of the generally planar surface. The frame may include a plurality of outer studs coupled together to form an outer periphery and inner studs that divide the frame into one or more sections. One or more of the sections may include a cavity or hollow space. The insulated component may also include a first layer of insulation within one or more of the cavities. The first layer of insulation may include a pour insulation material that transitions from a liquid state or phase to a solid state or phase.

Abstract: A method for displaying a captured image on a display device. A real image is captured by a vision-based imaging device. A virtual image is generated from the captured real image based on a mapping by a processor. The mapping utilizes a virtual camera model with a non-planar imaging surface. Projecting the virtual image formed on the non-planar image surface of the virtual camera model to the display device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum insulation material, which includes a barrier film and a core, wherein a rigid body thinner than a reference thickness or a getter harder than a reference hardness is formed between the barrier film and the core, or the rigid body thinner than the reference thickness is formed on the getter formed between the barrier film and the core to ensure surface flatness and surface hardness of the vacuum insulation material.

Abstract: A method of adjusting ultrasonic bonding energy on a wire bonding machine, the method comprising the steps of: providing a reference relationship between free air ball squash and ultrasonic bonding energy; determining an actual relationship between free air ball squash and ultrasonic bonding energy on a subject wire bonding machine; and adjusting at least one ultrasonic bonding energy setting of the subject wire bonding machine such that the actual relationship of the subject wire bonding machine is closer to the reference relationship.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for assessing interface integrity between a medium and an implant. A first signal is translated from a motion of an impact body during impact with an abutment connected to the implant. In some embodiments, the first signal is filtered using a zero phase shift filter and then used for assessing the interface integrity. Since no phase shift is introduced, the interface integrity is accurately assessed. In another embodiment, the apparatus maintains a system model for impacting the impact body against the abutment. The apparatus analytically determines an interface property by applying a system property that has been determined to the system model. An accurate system model allows for an accurate assessment. According to another broad aspect, there is provided a method of conducting the impact test. According to the method, a person ensures that the impact body impacts against a consistent portion of the abutment.

Abstract: A system incorporating sensor enhanced composite armor structure. The structure has one layer including ceramic tiles and ceramic-material transducers, wherein the ceramic tiles and the transducers fit closely together so that the one layer is ballistically windowless. The structure has other layers composed of armor material stacked with the one layer, the one layer and the other layers forming a plate which as a unit has a set or group of fundamental frequencies. The system includes logic means to analyze only signals resulting from vibrations transmitted from the one transducer to the other transducer through the one layer. The logic means thereby derives a signal fingerprint which characterizes a state of damage to the plate.

Abstract: A joint quality examining device and method for accurately examining in real time the qualities of the joints of all the products where joining members are joined to members to be joined.

Abstract: A method for non-destructively evaluating a joined component includes inducing vibrations in the joined component within a range of frequencies, acquiring a resonance spectra from the joined component resulting from the induced vibrations, and analyzing the resonance spectra using Acoustic Sensor Testing (AST).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for exciting a structure and determining its structural integrity. In particular, methods of nonlinear analysis are used to compare first and second response datasets, each dataset resulting from a different excitation amplitude that the other dataset.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for detecting defects in components of a fuel cell. Embodiment methods and systems include directing acoustic energy into the component, detecting acoustic energy from the component, analyzing a characteristic of the detected acoustic energy, and based on the analyzing, determining the presence or absence of a defect in the component.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for testing for delamination of a first composite component from a second composite component a composite material. The method comprises coupling a broad-band actuator to the composite material and connecting sweeping frequencies to the broad-band actuator for vibrating the composite material. An acoustic sensor is coupled to the composite material for measuring a resonant frequency curve of the vibrating composite material. The measured resonant frequency curve of the vibrating composite material is compared with a reference resonant frequency curve. A delaminated composite material produces a change in the measured resonant frequency curve relative to the reference resonant frequency curve. The method is suitable for detecting delamination in fuel cells as well as ceramic body armor.

Abstract: A sensing system which comprises a material (30) formed of a matrix and a plurality of non-insulating particles (40) substantially equally spaced within the matrix such that the material has coherent electrical periodicity in at least one dimension; and a receiver (10), the receiver arranged to receive a source RF signal and a returned RF signal, the source RF signal being reflected by the non-insulating particles to produce the returned RF signal. A change in the position of one or more of the non-insulating particles causes the returned RF signal to change, such that a change in a property of the material can be determined from the returned RF signal.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for assessing interface integrity between a medium and an implant. A first signal is translated from a motion of an impact body during impact with an abutment connected to the implant. In some embodiments, the first signal is filtered using a zero phase shift filter and then used for assessing the interface integrity. Since no phase shift is introduced, the interface integrity is accurately assessed. In another embodiment, the apparatus maintains a system model for impacting the impact body against the abutment. The apparatus analytically determines an interface property by applying a system property that has been determined to the system model. An accurate system model allows for an accurate assessment. According to another broad aspect, there is provided a method of conducting the impact test. According to the method, a person ensures that the impact body impacts against a consistent portion of the abutment.

Abstract: In a particular system for monitoring of a composite workpiece, at least one ultrasonic testing transducer is mounted to a surface of the composite workpiece and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy to and from the composite workpiece during mechanical loading of the composite workpiece. An ultrasonic pulser/receiver is operatively coupled to the at least one ultrasonic testing transducer. A computing system is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic pulser/receiver. The computing system includes a data acquisition component configured to acquire data from the ultrasonic puller/receiver and a data analysis component configured to analyze the acquired data. The data analysis component may be further configured to analyze the acquired data for initiation of failure of the composite workpiece and/or growth of failure of the composite workpiece. Further, failure of the composite workpiece may include cracking and/or delaminating and/or disbonding.

Abstract: An apparatus for pass/fail determination of bonding used in a bonding apparatus, includes: an ultrasonic horn configured to vibrate longitudinally in resonance with the vibration of an ultrasonic vibrator; a capillary attached at an anti-node of the vibration of the ultrasonic horn; a flange provided at a node of the vibration of the ultrasonic horn; a bonding arm; and a load sensor attached between the center of rotation of the bonding arm and a flange mounting surface in an offset manner from a longitudinal central axis of the ultrasonic horn, in which a load on the capillary in the direction toward and away from the bonding target is continuously detected by using the load sensor during bonding operation and the maximum value of the detected load is defined as an impact load to determine pass/fail of the bonding based on the impact load, thereby allowing a mid-bonding pass/fail determination.

Abstract: A method is provided for the non-destructive and contactless characterization of a multilayered structure having a substantially spherical shape and including at least two layers, separated by interfaces. The method includes using a laser for locally heating the structure in a thermoelastic state so that the structure is vibrated in a non-destructive manner, measuring the resonance frequencies of the vibration modes of the structure and deriving at least one characteristic concerning the integrity or the shape or the mechanical behavior of the structure from the resonance frequencies of the structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for exciting a structure and determining its structural integrity. In particular, methods of nonlinear analysis are used to compare first and second response datasets, each dataset resulting from a different excitation amplitude that the other dataset.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for testing a material. A signal is sent into the material using the transmitter. The signal has a frequency range that falls within a selected frequency range to form a transmitted signal. An actual response to the transmitted signal is received at a sensor. A simulated response of the material to the transmitted signal is generated using a functional model capable of modeling responses of the material to different frequency ranges falling within the selected frequency range. The simulated response is compared to the actual response to determine if a change has occurred in the material.

Abstract: In a non-limiting, exemplary system for in-situ monitoring of a composite workpiece, at least one ultrasonic testing transducer is mounted to a surface of a composite workpiece and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy to and from the composite workpiece during mechanical loading of the composite workpiece. An ultrasonic pulser/receiver is operatively coupled to the at least one ultrasonic testing transducer. A computing system is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic pulser/receiver. The computing system includes a data acquisition component configured to acquire data from the ultrasonic pulser/receiver and a data analysis component configured to analyze the acquired data. The data analysis component may be further configured to analyze the acquired data for initiation of failure of the composite workpiece and/or growth of failure of the composite workpiece. Further, failure of the composite workpiece may include cracking and/or delaminating and/or disbonding.

Abstract: A method useful for evaluating the presence and/or the quality of the cement bond of a downhole tubular. The method involves measuring radial resonance modes of the tubular, and comparing those measured values to the unbound tubular resonant values of a calibration ring. For a well bonded tubular, the measured radial resonance should be greater than that of the unbound tubular calibration ring. In regions where a fluid, such as water surrounds the outside of the tubular, or the cement is otherwise not bonded to the outer surface of the tubular, the measured response should be less than the calibrated response. The calibration ring should have the same diameter, wall thickness, and be made of the same material as the tubular.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring and/or regulating the oscillation amplitude of an ultrasound oscillator of an ultrasound device. In order to be able to measure or regulate the oscillation amplitude of the ultrasound oscillator in a simple manner, it is proposed that a sensor capturing the oscillation amplitude be associated with at least one component element of the ultrasound oscillator.

Abstract: An NDI system includes an ultrasonic transducer and an electronic device having an indicator, such as a light source. The electronic device energizes the transducer, receives sinusoidal signals from the transducer, determines impedance-plane coordinates corresponding to quadrature-phase separated components of the sinusoidal signals, and automatically activates the indicator if impedance-plane coordinates exceed a preset threshold. The system may be used in methods of inspecting layered structures such as composite aircraft components and repair patches applied to such structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the performance level, amount of wear, and remaining useful life of a new or worn object, preferably of metallic construction through harmonic fatigue evaluation. The object to be tested is struck with a resonant frequency generating device, causing the object to transmit its vibrational resonance to at least one signal receiving transducer. The transducer then relays the frequency back to a database wherein it is compared to known frequency responses of that specific object through a linear continuum from prior controlled testing, to determine the remaining performance level in comparison to a new object of the same construction.

Abstract: In an inspecting method of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator having a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and two or more electrodes, the frequency response characteristics is picked up when a vibration is given to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator, and the amount of displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is predicted by the frequency response characteristics. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is precisely inspected without dissolution and destruction and without actual driving as a product.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the service life of a machine-technical installation includes a sensor module and at least a measuring sensor for detecting stresses and expansions from a structural component of the machine-technical installation, a microcontroller, an antenna arrangement and a current source; the sensor module being in bi-directional connection with a data processing unit and having an antenna arrangement integrated therein, the antenna arrangement including a low-frequency antenna by means of which the sensor module is turned on and off and a high-frequency antenna for sending and receiving high frequency signals and wherein the sensor module can transition from an operating mode into a stand-by mode for energy efficiency and is reactivated through a signal from a detector element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of testing the installation quality of a grouted anchor system comprising at least one tendon anchored by grout in a hole in a surrounding mass. The system typically includes a group of roof bolts (10, 12) each having a tendon (10.1, 10.2) anchored in a rock mass (22) by grout (14, 16). The method includes the steps of applying an acoustic signal to the system, detecting the acoustic response(s) of the tendon(s) and assessing the installation quality of the tendon(s) from an analysis of such response(s). The invention also includes apparatus for use in the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for determining parameters of a welding system. According to the invention, a welding area (18, 21, 22) is subjected to the action of ultrasonic waves, preferably to the action of shear waves, by using an ultrasound source (14). During a first welding process (n1), a signal processing (30) determines a first ultrasonic permeability (Dn1) from a received ultrasonic signal (UE). During at least one subsequent welding process (n2), a second ultrasonic permeability (Dn2) is determined from an ultrasonic signal (UE) that is received during a renewed exposure of the welding area (18, 21, 22) to ultrasonic waves. A display (32) and/or a diagnostic function and/or a correction of control quantities of the welding system is/are carried out as a function of the at least two ultrasonic permeabilities (Dn1, Dn2).

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of an examined weld joint comprising the steps of providing acoustical data from the examined weld joint, and performing a neural network operation on the acoustical data determine the quality of the examined weld joint produced by a friction weld process. The neural network may be trained by the steps of providing acoustical data and observable data from at least one test weld joint, and training the neural network based on the acoustical data and observable data to form a trained neural network so that the trained neural network is capable of determining the quality of a examined weld joint based on acoustical data from the examined weld joint. In addition, an apparatus having a housing, acoustical sensors mounted therein, and means for mounting the housing on a friction weld device so that the acoustical sensors do not contact the weld joint. The apparatus may sample the acoustical data necessary for the neural network to determine the quality of a weld joint.

Abstract: Method of producing a bonded wire connection between an electronic component or a subassembly and a carrier by introducing energy from an ultrasound transducer into a wire that is to be bonded. According to this method, during the introduction of energy the impedance of the ultrasound transducer is measured as a function of time. The shape of the curve representing this time dependence is evaluated on the basis of a pre-specified comparison criteria, and the power input to the ultrasound transducer and/or a bond weight exerted on the wire is/are controlled in dependence on the result of this evaluation. A device usable for carrying out this method is also described.

Abstract: A nondestructive method of and apparatus for detecting degradation of reinforcing members embedded within a structure is disclosed. Degradation can arise from many sources, such as corrosion, fracture, cracking, fatigue, chemical reaction, etc. The device includes an inducing instrument(210) to induce a vibration of the reinforcing members (110)and a measuring device (220) to detect the vibration of the reinforcing members. The measurement is analyzed to detect the presence of reinforcing member degradation or reinforcing member-to-concrete bonding. The device may include a controller (230) to enhance the detection. The device may also include an amplifier (240) to further increase the energy in the waves imparted to the structure and the acoustic waves detected by the measuring instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for evaluating signals comprising a signal detection unit (26) that detects a measurement signal (UE). A measured value evaluation unit (43) evaluates measurement signals (UE) located inside a measurement window (TM1, TM2, TS1, TS2). Means (35), (37), (39) are provided for establishing the measurement window (TM1, TM2, TS1, TS2) and they establish the measurement window (TM1, TM2, TS1, TS2) according to the measurement signal (UE).

Abstract: A method of producing a bonded wire connection between an electronic component or a subassembly and a carrier by introducing energy from an ultrasound transducer into a wire that is to be bonded. According to this method, during the introduction of energy the impedance of the ultrasound transducer is measured as a function of time. The shape of the curve representing this time dependence is evaluated on the basis of a pre-specified comparison criteria, and the power input to the ultrasound transducer and/or a bond weight exerted on the wire is/are controlled in dependence on the result of this evaluation. A device usable for carrying out this method is also described.