Abstract: A method for fabricating an ultrasound transducer structure is disclosed. The method includes performing the steps of forming a functional layer, including an ultrasound transducer material and a photopolymer, and exposing a plurality of selected regions of the functional layer to a programmable light pattern to cure the selected regions of the functional layer to form polymerized ultrasound transducer material regions, repeatedly. The method further includes selectively removing unexposed regions of the functional layer to obtain a green component, and sintering the green component to obtain the sensing structure. A system for making at least one piezoelectric element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a radius of curvature at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured through the first device. A second device is detachably coupled to the plurality of positions along the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe. A wall thickness at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured through the second device. A cross-sectional area of the predetermined section of the pipe is measured based on a measurement data including the radius of curvature and wall thickness at each of the plurality of positions of the outer peripheral surface of the predetermined section of the pipe.

Abstract: A simulating circuit (2), for testing a transit-time flowmeter (1) according to an embodiment of the invention, comprises an interface circuit (20) connecting with the transit-time flowmeter. The interface circuit receives driving signals from the transit-time flowmeter and generates a trigger signal on a rising or falling edge of the driving signals. An oscillator (21) outputs a clock signal. A delay generator (221) generates a preset time delay. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC, 25) retrieves preset digitalized waveform. The DAC is enabled by the oscillator on ending of the preset time delay and converts the preset digitalized waveform into analog waveform output. The analog waveform output is sent back to the transit-time flowmeter, and thus a transit time or and a waveform through flowing fluids is simulated.

Abstract: A system for monitoring at least one of a resin infusion process and a composite cure cycle of a composite article is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic transmitter configured to deliver an acoustic wave to a resin-infused fiber preform and an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave propagated through the resin-infused fiber preform. The system also includes a processor configured to estimate at least one parameter using the received acoustic wave and to use the at least one parameter to determine an extent to which at least one resin has infused into the resin-infused fiber preform.

Abstract: A method for non-destructively inspecting a composite structure with a single ultrasonic transducer includes determining a calibration amplitude of ultrasonic transmissions emitted by the single ultrasonic transducer to a reflector in a fluid-filled immersion tank and received back at the single ultrasonic transducer. The method also includes inserting the composite structure into the fluid-filled immersion tank between the reflector and the single ultrasonic transducer. In addition, the method includes scanning the composite structure with the single ultrasonic transducer to measure ultrasonic amplitudes for sound waves traveling through the composite structure, reflecting off the reflector plate and then traveling back through the structure to the single ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) surface analysis. Exemplary embodiments include systems and methods for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) surface analysis, including a SOFC having a ceramic surface, a scanner adjacent the ceramic surface for collecting data related to the ceramic surface, a structure for retaining the SOFC with respect to the scanner, a device for collecting a processing the ceramic surface data and a process residing on the device, the process for analyzing and presenting the ceramic surface data.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for the application of a two-dimensional ultrasonic phased array (100), formed of a plurality of transducers (102) arranged in a rectilinear pattern, for material and volumetric component testing. The two-dimensional array enables electronic adjustment of the focal properties and size of the aperture in both the azimuthal and elevational directions such that uniform and/or specified sound field characteristics can be obtained at any or all locations in the component being tested.

Abstract: A system and method for determining at least one parameter related to a train traversing on a railway track is provided.

Abstract: A pulsed eddy current sensor probe includes a sensor array board. A number of sensors are arranged on the sensor array board and are operable to sense and generate output signals from the transient electromagnetic flux in a part being inspected. Each of the sensors has a differential output with a positive and a negative output. At least one drive coil is disposed adjacent to the sensors and is operable to transmit transient electromagnetic flux into the part. A first and a second multiplexer are arranged on the sensor array board and are operable to switch between the sensors. The first and second multiplexers are connected to the positive and negative outputs of the sensors, respectively.

Abstract: A process for positioning at least one defect in a billet being forged into an article is described. The size and location of the billet is first determined, using a non-destructive test such as ultrasonic inspection. The movement of the defect under selected forging conditions is then predicted, using a finite element analysis model. The billet can then be positioned and forged under conditions which cause the defect to move to a non-critical area of the article. In this manner, a billet which might otherwise be discarded or set aside can often be retained for a useful purpose. Related articles are also described.

Abstract: An omnidirectional eddy current probe includes a number of sense coils arranged in a stack having a principal axis. At least two of the sense coils are rotationally skewed about the principal axis relative to one another. The sense coils are operatively connected to each other and a drive coil is also positioned in the stack. An impulse through the drive coil induces a magnetic influx through a conducting material specimen having a surface, thereby generating eddy currents on the surface. Secondary magnetic field generated from the eddy currents produces corresponding signals in the sense coils, and the signals are then analyzed for the possibility of surface flaw in the conducting material.

Abstract: A system and method for determining at least one parameter related to a train traversing on a railway track is provided.

Abstract: A pulsed eddy current sensor probe includes a sensor array board. A number of sensors are arranged on the sensor array board and are operable to sense and generate output signals from the transient electromagnetic flux in a part being inspected. Each of the sensors has a differential output with a positive and a negative output. At least one drive coil is disposed adjacent to the sensors and is operable to transmit transient electromagnetic flux into the part. A first and a second multiplexer are arranged on the sensor array board and are operable to switch between the sensors. The first and second multiplexers are connected to the positive and negative outputs of the sensors, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eddy current array probe having a complaint body molded around a rigid insert. A flexible eddy current array circuit is wrapped around the outer surface of the compliant body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method includes exciting a first set of transducers in an array to introduce ultrasonic energy into a component, generating a number of echo signals using a second set of transducers in the array as receive elements, and processing the echo signals. The first and second sets of transducers are exclusive of one another, and the first and second sets of transducers are interleaved.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component includes exciting a number of transducers forming an array to produce an ultrasonic transmission beam (beam) focused into the component. The array and the component are separated by a standoff. A number of echo signals are generated using the transducers, and the echo signals are processed in a number of channels. The processing includes both dynamical focus and providing a dynamic aperture on receive, both of which compensate for refraction of the beam at the component/standoff interface. A single-turn inspection method includes: (a) positioning the array facing the component, (b) exciting the transducers, (c) generating a number of echo signals, (d) changing the relative angular orientation of the array and the component around an axis and repeating steps (b) and (c), and (e) processing the echo signals to form at least one processed echo signal.

Abstract: A process for positioning at least one defect in a billet being forged into an article is described. The size and location of the billet is first determined, using a non-destructive test such as ultrasonic inspection. The movement of the defect under selected forging conditions is then predicted, using a finite element analysis model. The billet can then be positioned and forged under conditions which cause the defect to move to a non-critical area of the article. In this manner, a billet which might otherwise be discarded or set aside can often be retained for a useful purpose. Related articles are also described.

Abstract: A pulsed eddy current two-dimensional sensor array probe for electrically conducting component inspection includes a drive coil disposed adjacent to a structure under inspection, a pulse generator connected to the drive coil and operable to energize in a pulsed manner the drive coil to transmit transient electromagnetic flux into the structure under inspection, and an array of sensors arranged in a two-dimensional array and substantially surrounded by the drive coil and operable to sense and generate output signals from the transient electromagnetic flux in the structure under inspection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an eddy current array probe having a complaint body molded around a rigid insert. A flexible eddy current array circuit is wrapped around the outer surface of the compliant body.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a component includes exciting a number of transducers forming an array to produce an ultrasonic transmission beam (beam) focused into the component. The array and the component are separated by a standoff. A number of echo signals are generated using the transducers, and the echo signals are processed in a number of channels. The processing includes both dynamical focus and providing a dynamic aperture on receive, both of which compensate for refraction of the beam at the component/standoff interface. A single-turn inspection method includes: (a) positioning the array facing the component, (b) exciting the transducers, (c) generating a number of echo signals, (d) changing the relative angular orientation of the array and the component around an axis and repeating steps (b) and (c), and (e) processing the echo signals to form at least one processed echo signal.