Abstract: A transducer unit for determining the presence of twinned columnar growth in the interior of an as-cast ingot. The transducer unit has a first means for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves and second means for rotating the direction of the wave pulse of the waves. The transducer unit detects the presence of twinned columnar growth by comparing the round trip time of flight (RTTOF) of the ultrasonic waves traveling in a first direction to ultrasonic waves of the same frequency generated in a second direction. In a preferred embodiment, a viscous liquid is used to couple the transducer unit to the ingot.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for determining the presence of anisotropic structures in the interior of an as-formed metal. The method includes the steps of (a) attaching an ultrasonic transducer to the metal item prior to working the metal; (b) energizing the transducer to generate shear ultrasonic waves capable of penetrating the metal item; (c) measuring the time of flight of the shear ultrasonic waves through the metal item; (d) rotating the transducer approximately 90.degree.; (e) repeating step (c); and determining the difference between steps (c) and (e) to determine the presence of anisotropic structures in the interior of the metal item.