Abstract: An acoustic microscope system is provided for analyzing the properties of a olid sample with fluid coupling. The system includes a transducer comprising a curved active piezoelectric element and an insulating backing member having a curved surface on which the piezoelectric element is mounted, a casing for backing member, and electrical input/output leads connected to the piezoelectric element. A pulser receiver, connected to the leads of the transducer, generates coherent test pulses of short duration and receives echoes from the solid sample resulting from these pulses and having a received echo waveform comprising multiple arrivals including direct reflection from the interface between the fluid and the solid sample. A wave recorder records the received echo waveform so as to enable the determination therefrom of information relating to the characteristics of the solid sample.

Abstract: An ultrasound device sends and guides ultrasonic waves to a part surface through a fluid in laminar flow along a curved path, and then receives the reflected and/or scattered waves from that surface in the mode of a sensor. The received signal yields information about the part surface topography such as roughness, scratches, and dents. Since the device can operate in real-time in situ on moving, as well as on stationary parts, the received ultrasonic signal may be used to monitor tool wear during part fabrication, and even provide feedback information for machine control.

Abstract: An acoustic method for measuring the quantity and installed density of thal insulation includes introducing a sensing apparatus comprised of one or two acoustic transducers which are so placed as to measure the attenuation and/or phase shift of acoustic waves passing through the insulation. The thermal conductivity for a given insulation material may be monitored as a function of insulation depth by relating the acoustic amplitude and/or phase to a predetermined relationship for that particular insulation material. The relationship may be simply a set of tabular guides relating the quantity of insulation to an amplitude or phase value. This method may be applied to material in an enclosed space, an attic for example where remote access would be desirable, or to material in an open space.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of polyethylene-jacketed, cast expive billets including an immersion tank and a roller system for axially rotating the billet while immersed in the coupling fluid. A drive mechanism traverses a pair of laterally opposed transducers axially of the rotating billet for through-transmission inspection of the majority of the billet. A second drive mechanism sweeps a third transducer through a 90.degree. arc for pulse-echo inspection of the hemispherical base of the billet.