Abstract: A device for measuring a load on a part such as a bolt, comprises a socket having walls defining an interior space wherein the socket engages the bolt for transmitting a load to the bolt. An electromagnetic acoustic transducer comprising a magnet and a coil is located in the interior space of the socket near the bolt. The coil provides a current while the magnet provides a magnetic field such that the magnet and the coil generate an ultrasonic signal within the bolt. A detector is used to detect and measure a change in the ultrasonic signal at the bolt.

Abstract: Defects such as corrosion located on the exterior of a component such as a metal pipe, tank, vessel or support structure which is insulated by a coating or cover, are detected by a low frequency eddy current (LOFEC) system. A magnetizing yoke in the shape of an inverted U is placed on the cover insulating a metal component. An excitation coil is wrapped around the magnetizing yoke for carrying an altering current in order to produce an alternating magnetic field by the magnetized yoke. The alternating magnetic field produced by the magnetized yoke induces an eddy current which runs through the metal component between the legs of the yoke. A pair of magnetic flux sensors are used in differential connection beneath one or more excitation coils which can be articulated to conform to varying pipe diameter. In addition, an absolute signal response can be obtained from one of the receiver coils.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for determining the integrity of coated fuel particles via acoustic characterization. Particle supply means (4) drops the nuclear fuel particles (2) individually onto the face (6) of a transducer (8). The generated signal which is indicative of the integrity of the coating on the dropped particle is analyzed with analyzing means (26, 28, 30) for discriminating between a flawed and an unflawed particle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tip diffraction technique for determining the depth of a surface-opening crack is disclosed. Longitudinal ultrasonic waves are transmitted parallel to and along the crack and measurement of the time of travel of the waves diffracted at the tip of the crack is employed to determine the depth of the crack.

Abstract: An ultrasonic method and apparatus for measuring liquid level in a vessel employing an acoustic waveguide (16) connected to an ultrasonic transducer (14) and the vessel (18). Guiding means (24) situated inside a vessel (18) directs the acoustic energy pulse to a surface (22) of the liquid. The acoustic energy pulse is reflected from the surface (22) and returned along the guiding means (24) to the acoustic waveguide (16). A pulser/receiver (10) connected thereto measures the reflected acoustic energy pulse for determining liquid level from the transit time.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for ultrasonically detecting creep swelling in tubular members such as fossil utility steam lines and headers. Ultrasonic surface waves (34) are propagated around the pipe (10) in a circumferential direction. The transit time (.DELTA.T) is measured by using the pulse overlap technique with an oscilloscope (24). Circumferential dimension is obtained by multiplying the transit time (.DELTA.T) by the known Raleigh velocity of sound in the tubular member.

Abstract: A coupon is bonded to a component using a bonding agent which is capable of withstanding temperatures only up to a selected temperature above which the bonding agent no longer holds the coupon to the component. The component, during an operation, is intended for exposure to temperatures not above the selected temperature. An exposure of the component to the elevated selected temperature is identified by the fact that the coupon is no longer bonded to the component after termination of the operation. When the component is provided with insulation, the selected temperature is chosen to correspond to a temperature at which the insulation fails to determine the integrity of the insulation after the insulation. The coupon may be bonded to an exterior or interior surface of the component. With an exterior bonded component, visual inspection is sufficient. With an interior bonded component, detection means such as ultrasonic instrumentation is utilized to determine the presence or absence of the bonded coupon.

Abstract: A method for deriving the eddy current signature of a flaw in a tube proximate a contiguous member which is obscured in the composite signature of the flaw and contiguous member by subtracting from the composite signature a reference eddy current signature generated by a facsimile of the tube and contiguous member.