Abstract: A method of modelling a surface of an object by using ultrasonic waves transmitted along the surface comprises the steps of: transmitting the ultrasonic waves along paths along the surface, and determining travel times of the ultrasonic waves along the paths. At least some of the ultrasonic waves exhibit an S0 mode and have a frequency-dependent velocity. This velocity (c) is relatively high for frequencies up to a first bending point (BP1), decreasing relatively rapidly for frequencies between the first bending point (BP1) and a second bending point (BP2), and relatively low for frequencies beyond the second bending point (BP2). The ultrasonic waves have a frequency range which lies at or below the first bending point (BP1).

Abstract: Apparatus for non-destructive inspection of structural elements or workpieces, in particular those having an airfoil configuration, that moves a scanning sensor across the width (span) of a structural element or workpiece for the purpose of detecting structural damage. In one embodiment, the apparatus simultaneously traverses the length (chord) of the structural element or workpiece. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide rail that encompasses the structural element or workpiece and the scanning sensor travels along the guide rail from a first location at an upper rear region, to the front, of the structural element or workpiece, and then around the leading edge toward the lower rear region. The apparatus includes a processor and a display device to display the processed, sensed, information.

Abstract: In vibration based mechanical diagnostics, algorithms may extract some feature of a component which may be used as a statistic of the components' health. A measured condition indicator corresponding to the analysis of the components' health may be a function of transmission error (TE). Because there exists a relationship between TE and the CI for a component that is faulted, the CI is correlated with power transmitted. In drive train components, power may be proportional to measured torque. In terms of diagnostics or trending of a component, it is desirable to reduce the scatter in the measured CI and account for this torque. The relationship between measured CI and torque may be captured over time. An increase in the correlation of torque with the CI would indicate an increase of TE which indicates the propagation of a fault.

Abstract: A method of testing an elongate wooden element includes injecting an input acoustic signal into the element, detecting a return acoustic signal at a surface of the element, and determining a spectral profile for the return signal. In at least a predetermined range in the spectral profile, each resonance peak is detected whose amplitude exceeds a first predetermined value, and from the resonance peaks so detected the number of higher peaks is determined whose amplitude exceeds 3 dB. For each of said higher peaks a quality factor Q is calculated, a mean quality value Qm is determined, and Qm is then compared with a predetermined value to provide an indication of the presence or absence of external decay of the element. A ratio R of the number of higher peaks to the number of resonance peaks detected, and the statistical spread S of the average Q for the spectral profile, are calculated and compared with a predetermined boundary function Fn(R,S) to determine acceptability or unacceptability of the pole.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting the first arrival wave packet of an acoustic signal in a structural health monitoring (SHM) system include receiving an acoustic signal transmitted between two transducers thereof. Electromagnetic cross-talk is removed from the signal. Signal amplitude threshold values used for picking out the first arrival wave packet are chosen based on signal characteristics or chosen adaptively as the value that leads to the minimum variance of the group velocity estimates of all the actuation-sensing transducer pairs. The group velocity is estimated as the known actuator-sensor distance divided by the propagation time of the first wave packet of which the envelope exceeds a candidate threshold value. The first arrival wave packet is determined as the signal segment where the signal envelope first exceeds the chosen amplitude threshold and the segment length exceeds a specified threshold of time width.

Abstract: A multi-frequency bond-testing system using acoustic probes in conjunction with NDT/NDI inspection instruments. Bond-testing of test objects is carried out at multiple discrete frequencies to produce a single, combined amplitude C-scan. Alternatively, or in combination, the system provides a single, combined phase C-scan to enable proper interpretation of the C-scans. Amplitude and/or phase readings on test objects are normalized at the selected frequencies relative to tests performed on a defect-free object at those frequencies. In this manner, the non-linear behavior of a bond-testing probe over a frequency range chosen for a given inspection is compensated for. The invention enables providing more easily interpretable and sharper images which enable a more reliable and faster reading and identification of defects in the test objects.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing structural screening. Methods include applying pre-defined filter criteria to measurements resulting from an inspected structure operable for eliminating measurement data falling below a designated threshold. Methods further include identifying a baseline defect size associated with the inspected structure. The baseline defect size indicates a largest defect capable of being undetected during inspection. Methods also include identifying tolerance levels relating to the inspected structures factoring in the baseline defect size and attributes of the inspected structure, comparing results of the applying pre-defined filter criteria with tolerance levels identified, and determining a risk of cracking for the inspected structure based upon the comparing.

Abstract: A system for detecting defects in a pipe wall, comprises an ultrasonic transducer which is arranged for emitting, via an exit opening, ultrasonic signals from the interior of the pipe towards its wall and for receiving, via an entrance opening, backscattered signals from the wall. The system is arranged to emit and receive a multitude of signals having their main directions within a plane mainly perpendicular to the pipe axis. The openings are configured to make the ultrasonic transmission signal diverge and/or to receive back signals from a diverging range of angles over a large area of the pipe wall, by using openings with a diameter with magnitude of the wavelength of the ultrasonic signals. Sets of emitted and backscattered signals for different emission and reception positions are processed, in processing means, to form an image based on transmission times between emission and reception of backscattered signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for three-dimensional (3D) visualization and analysis for automatic non-destructive examination of a rotor bore using ultrasound. Data is acquired by scanning the rotor bore with an ultrasound pulser/transducer producing a plurality of one-dimensional ultrasound scans, each scan having a plurality of sample points. Each sample point is associated with a voxel of a regular 3D grid having a plurality of voxels. A Gaussian kernel is associated with each sample point and a value for a particular voxel is determined based on a weighted sum of sample points whose kernels cover the particular voxel. The values for the other voxels of the regular 3D grid are determined similarly. A 3D visualization of the rotor bore can be displayed to a user.

Abstract: The structural health monitoring method of the present invention utilizes a sensor system to determine information about deformation, stress and/or damage in structural elements. The sensor system and the method employ at least one sensor which comprises a material having fully-reversible nonlinear elasticity. The method comprises associating at least one sensor including a material having fully-reversible nonlinear elasticity with a structural element in a manner whereby stress is transferred from said structural element to said sensor, propagating ultrasound through a portion of the sensor, receiving the ultrasound which has been propagated through at least a portion of the sensor and determining information about the structural element from attenuation and/or time of flight of said received ultrasound.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for structural health monitoring (SHM) in which smart devices interrogate structural components to predict failure, expedite needed repairs, and thus increase the useful life of those components. Piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) are applied to or integrated with structural components and various data collected there from provide the ability to detect and locate cracking, corrosion, and disbanding through use of pitch-catch, pulse-echo, electro/mechanical impedance, and phased array technology. Stand alone hardware and an associated software program are provided that allow selection of multiple types of SHM investigations as well as multiple types of data analysis to perform a wholesome investigation of a structure.

Abstract: A system, program product, and method to perform automated three-dimensional image registration of a part within an inspection cell, are provided. The system can include a laser-ultrasound inspection device having a scanning head to generate ultrasonic surface displacements in a part, an inspection laser, and an interferometer to collect phase modulated light reflected by the part. The system can also include a part position locator positioned to measure a distance between points on a surface of the part and a scanning laser reference location. The system can also include a database containing computer-aided design models for each part of interest, and a model of the inspection cell. The system can further include a laser ultrasound inspection computer communication with the laser-ultrasound detection device and the part position locator, and laser ultrasound inspection program product adapted to perform automated three-dimensional image registration of the part.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting a defect in a workpiece with a broadband transducer (10), a driving circuit connected to the transducer to operate the transducer in a actuator mode, a signal output circuit connectable to operate in a sensor mode, a control for selectively connecting the transducer to the driving circuit or signal output circuit wherein the driving circuit includes at least a pair of oscillators for generating signals of at least frequencies F1 and F2 and a summer for summing the signals to provide a driving circuit for the transducer.

Abstract: We have invented a method of sensing a surface by driving a resonator with two or more frequencies and exploiting the nonlinear phenomenon of intermodulation. When a resonator (for example an oscillating cantilever) with a sharp tip is brought close to a surface, the non-linear tip-surface interaction generates intermodulation response of the resonator. The measured frequency spectrum of intermodulation response contains much information about the material composition of the surface. When the resonator is scanned over the surface, the intermodulation spectrum can be used to make an image of the surface with enhanced contrast for different materials on the surface, or it can be used to extract the tip-surface interaction at every point on the surface.

Abstract: An inspection system comprises a sensor configured to acquire inspection data of the object, a motion control device, a joint assembly coupled to the motion control device, and a probe housing coupled to the joint assembly and configured to hold the sensor. The inspection system further comprises a compliant element coupled to the probe housing and configured to cooperate with the joint assembly and the motion control device to position the sensor relative to the object. A self-aligning probe assembly is also presented.

Abstract: Laser-based ultrasonic (LBU) systems and methods for measuring at least one material property of a ceramic cellular ceramic body during thermal processing are disclosed. The method includes subjecting the ceramic cellular ceramic body to a temperature cycle within an interior of an oven having first and second windows. For a plurality of temperatures within the temperature cycle, the cellular ceramic body is irradiated with a modulated laser beam through the first window. This modulated irradiation is sequential at one or more first locations and generates acoustic waves in the cellular ceramic body over a plurality of acoustic paths. The method also includes sequentially irradiating the cellular ceramic body through the second window using a detection laser beam. This probe irradiation is sequential at one or more second locations that correspond to the one or more first locations so that the acoustic waves associated with the plurality of optical paths are detected.

Abstract: In a particular system for monitoring of a composite workpiece, at least one ultrasonic testing transducer is mounted to a surface of the composite workpiece and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy to and from the composite workpiece during mechanical loading of the composite workpiece. An ultrasonic pulser/receiver is operatively coupled to the at least one ultrasonic testing transducer. A computing system is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic pulser/receiver. The computing system includes a data acquisition component configured to acquire data from the ultrasonic puller/receiver and a data analysis component configured to analyze the acquired data. The data analysis component may be further configured to analyze the acquired data for initiation of failure of the composite workpiece and/or growth of failure of the composite workpiece. Further, failure of the composite workpiece may include cracking and/or delaminating and/or disbonding.

Abstract: A medium is equipped with sources adapted for emitting a wave and sensors adapted for receiving the wave emitted. The method for locating an appearance of a defect in the medium comprises an initialisation step in which reference impulse responses of the wave between the sources and sensors are determined, then at least one defect detection step in which the impulse responses of the wave between the sources and the sensors are measured, a decorrelation coefficient between the impulse responses and the reference impulse responses is calculated, a probability of exploration of a position is calculated, an error function for each source-sensor pair is calculated, and a product of at least some of the error functions of the source-sensor pairs is calculated. The product represents a map of a probability of the appearance of the defect at each position in the medium.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a method and system for automatic wedge identification for an ultrasonic inspection system and includes the steps of coupling a given probe wedge to a phased array system. Ultrasonic pulses are applied from the phased array system to the given probe wedge and, thereafter, time of flight of the ultrasonic pulses through the given probe wedge are measured. By calculating at least one of several parameters such as a wedge angle, a height of a first probe element and a wedge acoustic velocity the given probe wedge may be identified.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product is provided for automated defect detection of corrosion or cracks using synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) processed Lamb wave images. The method comprises processing the first image using a synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) to enhance a resolution and a signal to noise ratio of a first extracted ultrasonic image, applying a systemic background noise suppression algorithm to the first extracted ultrasonic image to render a second extracted ultrasonic image having reduced noise, and applying a deconvolution linear filtering process to the second extracted ultrasonic image to render a third extracted ultrasonic image.

Abstract: A time-of-flight PET nuclear imaging device (A) includes radiation detectors (20, 22, 24), electronic circuits (26, 28, 30, 32) for processing output signals from each of detectors (20), a coincidence detector (34), a time-of-flight calculator (38) and image processing circuitry (40). A calibration system (48) includes an energy source (50, 150) which generates an electrical or optical calibration pulse. The electrical calibration pulse is applied at an input to the electronics at an output of the detector and the optical calibration pulse is applied to a preselected point adjacent a face of each optical sensor (20) of the detectors. A calibration processor (52) measures the time differences between the generation of the calibration pulse and the receipt of a trigger signal from the electronic circuitry by the coincidence detector (34) and adjusts adjustable delay circuits (44, 46) to minimize these time differences.

Abstract: A rail scanning system and certified method of use thereof are described. The rail scanning system comprises a control unit, a probe carriage, and an encoder. The probe carriage comprises two or more phased array probes. The control unit is communicatively coupled with the encoder and phased array probes of the probe carriage.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a pipeline having at least two transducers divided into segments, the segments each containing a number of sensors, wherein a maximum number of segments is equal to a number of transducers, an arrangement configured to send, receive and store signals, wherein the arrangement has a number of pulser channels and a number of receiver channels, wherein the arrangement has at least one multiplexing arrangement for multiplexing signals from the arrangement; and a time delay arrangement connected to the arrangement configured to send, receive and store signals. The system may also provide for focal point skewing, near real time coating compensation for proper excitation mode, adjusted time delay capability and the ability to focus beyond changes in geometry.

Abstract: A fault detection system for a fastener (224) in a machine (100) includes an ultrasonic sensor (404) that is integrated with the fastener and capable of emitting an ultrasonic signal (506) that travels through a length of the fastener (224). The ultrasonic sensor (404) receives a returning ultrasonic signal (506) and a processor (512) calculates a travel time between an emission of the ultrasonic signal (506) and a receipt of the returning ultrasonic signal (506). The processor (512) calculates an actual length (L) of the fastener (224) based on the travel time (510), compares the actual length (L) with a predetermined length of the fastener (224), and emits a wireless signal (519) to an electronic controller (612) of the machine (100) that is indicative of a structural state of the fastener (224).

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for identifying a defect and/or an operating characteristic of a system being monitored (and/or one or more of the system's components) are described. In an embodiment, orthogonally related data monitored by two or more detectors may be fused to determine whether a component of a system is defective and/or malfunctioning. Additionally or alternatively, data from a first detector may be determined to be accurate using non-orthogonally related data outputted by a second detector. Both types of determinations may be made with minimal or no false indications, which lowers the cost of operating the system being monitored.

Abstract: A method of modelling a surface (3) of an object (2) using ultrasonic transducers (4, 5) mounted on the surface comprises the steps of: providing a model of the surface, the model comprising a primary set of surface points indicative of the height of the surface, transmitting pulsed waves from a first transducer (4) to one or more second transducers (5), the first transducer and each second transducer defining a respective path along the surface, measuring travel times of the pulsed waves along each path, calculating travel times based on the model of the surface, adjusting the model of the surface in response to any discrepancies between the measured travel times and the calculated travel times, and repeating the steps of transmitting, measuring, calculating and adjusting until the discrepancies are smaller than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A tracking device is provided with a non-contact type displacement gauge, a positioner which moves a flaw detecting sensor within a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of a pipe or tube, and a positioning controller which controls the positioner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and inspection system for non-destructive inspection of a colony of stress corrosion cracks in a pipe or a vessel. The method comprises mapping the colony of stress corrosion cracks, identifying at least one individual crack to be sized within the colony, and sizing the at least one individual crack to be sized.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe issues an ultrasonic wave to an object, receives a reflected wave from an object, and is provided with multiple piezoelectric elements. A three-dimensional display section displays three-dimensional flaw detection data superimposed on three-dimensional shape data of an object. The computer acquires a reflected ultrasonic wave signal from a reference object (reference). Based on the acquired signal, the computer corrects a reflected ultrasonic wave signal acquired from another object having the same material and shape as the reference. The computer allows the three-dimensional display section to display three-dimensional flaw detection data generated from a reflected ultrasonic wave signal resulting from a difference between a reference and an object.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for ultrasonic testing obtains high-resolution and high-S/N ratio testing results by driving a number of piezoelectric elements using fewer pulsers and receivers in comparison with the number of elements composing an array transducer. A sensor information setter sets a plurality of piezoelectric element groups used for transmission and a plurality of piezoelectric element groups used for reception among the plurality of piezoelectric elements composing an ultrasonic array transducer. A computer transmits an ultrasonic wave from the element cluster set for transmission, and stores an ultrasonic wave received by the element cluster set for reception. The procedure is repeated including different element cluster sets for transmission and reception to obtain first receive signals. The first receive signals are summed to obtain a second receive signal; and the second receive signal is displayed with reference to the sensor center position on a display unit.

Abstract: In a non-limiting, exemplary system for in-situ monitoring of a composite workpiece, at least one ultrasonic testing transducer is mounted to a surface of a composite workpiece and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic energy to and from the composite workpiece during mechanical loading of the composite workpiece. An ultrasonic pulser/receiver is operatively coupled to the at least one ultrasonic testing transducer. A computing system is operatively coupled to the ultrasonic pulser/receiver. The computing system includes a data acquisition component configured to acquire data from the ultrasonic pulser/receiver and a data analysis component configured to analyze the acquired data. The data analysis component may be further configured to analyze the acquired data for initiation of failure of the composite workpiece and/or growth of failure of the composite workpiece. Further, failure of the composite workpiece may include cracking and/or delaminating and/or disbonding.

Abstract: A method of establishing position dependent focal laws and dynamically accessing these focal laws during inspection is disclosed comprising the steps of partitioning a CAD model into distinct geometric regions prior to inspection, generating a dedicated set of focal laws for each of the geometric regions, and associating each position of the scanner with one of the geometric regions. A method of compressing an A-Scan using a windowing technique is also disclosed. Additionally, methods for computing and displaying volumetric slices in real-time are disclosed. Finally, a method of firing multiple probes at different firing frequencies is disclosed, as well as a multi-probe inspection system that enables parallel firing.

Abstract: Methods of operating an interrogation system that has a plurality of patches attached to a host structure. Each patch is capable of generating a diagnostic wave and/or developing a sensor signal in response to the diagnostic wave. In each method, a Euclidean undirected graph is generated by forming a plurality of paths; wherein each path connects two of the patches and the length of the path is shorter than a preset limit. Then, a directed graph or network is generated by assigning a propagation direction of the diagnostic wave to each path. Structural condition index (SCI) values are measured by use of the directed graph and, based on the SCI values, the host structure is scanned for anomalies. The directed graph is reconfigured to determine the shape and location of the anomalies.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for structural health monitoring (SHM) in which smart devices interrogate structural components to predict failure, expedite needed repairs, and thus increase the useful life of those components. Piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) are applied to or integrated with structural components and various data collected there from provide the ability to detect and locate cracking, corrosion, and disbanding through use of pitch-catch, pulse-echo, electro/mechanical impedance, and phased array technology. Stand alone hardware and an associated software program are provided that allow selection of multiple types of SHM investigations as well as multiple types of data analysis to perform a wholesome investigation of a structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the non-destructive measurement of components, in particular the functional assessment of the bonding of cast-in parts, eg. in pistons for internal combustion engines. With such a measurement or functional assessment, it is a question of assessing the function and completeness of the bonding between the base material and the material cast in or otherwise joined. The quality of the component or its suitability for a specific purpose can thus be assessed and/or quality monitoring of the production process, e.g. in the foundry or during production, can take place. According to the invention, this purpose is served by a multi-stage correction procedure, wherein the measured values ascertained by means of a suitably devised measuring arrangement and method, e.g.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an input signal containing information associated with a rolling element bearing and/or a piece of equipment containing the rolling element bearing. The method also includes decomposing the input signal into a frequency-domain signal and determining at least one family of frequencies corresponding to at least one failure mode of the rolling element bearing. The method further includes generating a reconstructed input signal using the at least one family of frequencies and the frequency-domain signal. In addition, the method includes determining, using the reconstructed input signal, an indicator identifying an overall health of the rolling element bearing. The indicator could be determined using a baseline signal associated with either (i) normal operation of the rolling element bearing and/or the piece of equipment or (ii) defective operation of the rolling element bearing and/or the piece of equipment (where a severity of the defective operation will increase over time).

Abstract: A system for on-line detection of incipient cracks in turbine blades to serve as early warning system for turbine blade failure. The system of non-intrusive detection of turbine blade condition of the invention is simple and cost effective and would enable assessing the health of the turbine blade during plant operation, which is extremely important for the safe operation of the turbine in an operating power plant. The present method and system of identifying the presence of modulated blade passing frequency (BPF,) for blade vibration that is not co-relatable to the change in the operating condition and would thus be indicative of presence of cracked blades with incipient cracking. It is capable for verifying the Campbell diagram and ascertain the margin available between the natural frequency of the blade/stage and the steam excitation frequencies/engine orders.

Abstract: A method of enhancing acoustic pump data for monitoring of pump condition in operation. The enhancement may be in the form of a substantial reduction in the amount of data to be processed by firmware to a much more manageable level. This may be achieved through pre-filtering of acquired acoustic data, computing frequency momentum, and by application of a median filter to the acoustic data. Regardless, a thresholding technique that uses features vector including but not limited to double-threshold derived from statistics of enhanced amplitudes, may be employed whereby enhanced acoustic data is boiled down to a series of potential acoustic events of particular widths. These widths may represent a duration of each acoustic event and be checked for correlation with the speed of the operating speed of the pump.

Abstract: A method for identifying the failure risks of a confinement building, in particular a confinement building made of concrete for stocking or storing a product, includes the following steps: from data concerning the building and/or the product, determining a planned theoretical behaviour of the building during the filling phase of the building with the product to be stored; determining a real behaviour of the building during the filling phase of the building with the product; and determining the failure risks by comparing the theoretical and real behaviours. The method of the invention can also be applied to an emptying phase of the confinement building.

Abstract: In a method for assessing a condition of at least one value document with regard to limpness, there is determined from transmission values representing the ultrasound transmission at different places on the value document a condition value which depends on a variation of the transmission values and characterizes the condition of the value document with regard to limpness. A condition of the value document is determined for the condition value using a preset criterion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for nondestructive testing of a metallic workpiece (11) using an ultrasonic transducer testing head having the following steps: to generate an ultrasonic wave, an excitation pulse is transmitted using the ultrasonic transducer (1) to the workpiece (11), a response signal is measured using the magnetic field sensor (3), testing information, preferably transit time information of the ultrasonic wave and therefrom wall thickness information about the thickness of the workpiece (11), is ascertained on the basis of an ultrasonic echo component of the response signal, and further information, in particular distance information about the distance of the testing head from the workpiece (11), is ascertained on the basis of a magnetic field component of the response signal by supplementary analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for the analysis of composite materials. Laser ultrasound measurements of composite materials are correlated to the shape and position of the composite article.

Abstract: A method for detecting structure-borne noise events in a roller bearing, wherein a measuring signal M of a pressure or dilatation sensor arranged on a roller bearing is fed to a frequency filter for filtering out undesired signal parts. A first variance value is calculated from digital values of the frequency filter output signal and at least one second variance value is calculated from other digital values of the frequency filter output signal and a weighted arithmetic average of the at least two variance values is calculated with the aid of a recursive calculation of the variance value. If the weighted arithmetic variance average value exceeds a pre-selected variance threshold value, then it is assessed that a structure-borne noise event provoked by mechanical damage to the roller bearing has occurred.

Abstract: A system for determining an acoustic signature of a device is disclosed that includes a computer processor operable to determine strength and location of shock wave sound signals based on propagation of sound waves generated by the device. The strength and location of the shock wave signals are modified due to dissipation and dispersion effects in a non-uniform atmosphere. The shock wave signals are separated into even and odd numbered signals, and oscillations in the signals are smoothed by averaging even and odd numbered shock signals.

Abstract: A system, program product, and method to perform automated three-dimensional image registration of a part within an inspection cell, are provided. The system can include a laser-ultrasound inspection device having a scanning head to generate ultrasonic surface displacements in a part, an inspection laser, and an interferometer to collect phase modulated light reflected by the part. The system can also include a part position locator positioned to measure a distance between points on a surface of the part and a scanning laser reference location. The system can also include a database containing computer-aided design models for each part of interest, and a model of the inspection cell. The system can further include a laser ultrasound inspection computer communication with the laser-ultrasound detection device and the part position locator, and laser ultrasound inspection program product adapted to perform automated three-dimensional image registration of the part.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods that provide the ability for ultrasonic inspection to be performed on both traditional and composite materials in the field to automatically identify defects with minimal error.

Abstract: An anomaly diagnosis apparatus for analyzing sound or vibration data produced by a machine installation and diagnosing the presence or absence of an anomaly in a sliding member in the machine installation which is made up of a diagnosis processing server (1) and a user information processing terminal (3) which are connected through a network (2). The diagnosis processing server (1) receives the sound or vibration data produced by the machine installation and information for identifying the sliding member used with the machine installation through the network (2) from the user information processing terminal 3, makes an anomaly diagnosis of the machine installation based on the received data, and transmits the diagnosis result through the network (2) to the user information processing terminal (3), thereby lightening the burden of the user and executing anomaly diagnosis processing promptly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic stimulus pulse is emitted incident to a laminar structure and recorded as pulse data. Echoes resulting from the stimulus pulse are recorded as echo data. One or more vectors are derived by way of time-shifting the recorded pulse data by respective amounts and a matrix ? is defined including the one or more vectors. An echo vector Y is defined using the recorded echo data. A solution vector X is determined in accordance with: Y=?*X, typically within a predetermined tolerance. B-scan display or other analysis of one or more distinct solution vectors enables user and/or automated identification and measurement of any anomalies within the laminate material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound control device for non-destructively inspecting a workpiece. The inventive ultrasound control device comprises a transmitting-receiving sensor provided with an element for connecting to the input surface of a controlled workpiece, a transmitter which is connected to the sensor and sends pulses produced thereby to said sensor, a receiver connected to the sensor and a screen which is connected to the receiver for displaying electric echo signals received by the receiver. The sensor transmits ultrasound pulses which, on one hand are reflected by the input surface and return to said sensor, and penetrate into the workpiece and are reflected at least once by the back wall thereof, on the other hand. Said ultrasound control device also comprises a bar display for visualising the received electric echo signals.

Abstract: In a method for the optimization of stress distribution on an object to be tested for flaws by ultrasound excitation and evaluation based on resulting surface temperature distribution, —a simulation is performed under test conditions on a CAD model of the object prior to a testing an object, —vibrational spectra and modal vibrational forms are calculated, —local mechanical stresses are determined from the vibrational modes, whereby—modes to be excited for the real test are selected from the entirety of the occurring modes such that, —the mechanical stress lies in a selected region above a predetermined minimum stress to enable a reliable proof of defect, —the mechanical stress in all other regions of the inspection part, in particular on easily damaged component structures, is smaller than a predetermined maximum stress by a predetermined factor, in order not to damage the component at weak points.