Abstract: An ultrasonic probe suited for testing the integrity of sheet metal surfaces around fastener openings is provided with means to center the probe over such openings. Both a mechanical centering rod and an electronic display assist the user in centering such probe. Once positioned within tolerance limits, phased array ultrasonic beams search for defects within the metal surfaces, allowing for residual offsets in the centering of the probe. Also described are test fixtures for calibrating the probe.

Abstract: One or more phased array ultrasonic probes in the shape of conical section arcs, or an entire conical section ring, emit beams at a fixed incident angle with respect to the outer surface of a tube or pipe under inspection. At any given moment, these beams strike the tube at a single small entry zone from number of different directions. After being refracted at the inspection angle corresponding to the fixed angle of incidence, defects having longitudinal, transverse and oblique orientations are detected in the three-dimensional volume of the tube wall. The number of entry zones required for complete coverage of the outer surface of the tube is a function of the size of the tube, the speed at which it passes through the inspection station and the rate of rotation of the tube.

Abstract: In an eddy current testing probe, efficiency is improved by multiplexing, at the probe head, signals to and from a large number of coils on the probe head onto a reduced number of signal conductors, and by reusing coils in different measurement configurations in order to provide a higher density of inspection coverage.