Abstract: A wheel test device includes a rail wheel support rotatably supporting a rail wheel, a wheel support rotatably supporting a test wheel in contact with the rail wheel, a first electric motor, a power distributor distributing power generated by the first electric motor to the rail wheel and the test wheel, and a torque generator generating torque to be applied to the test wheel. The torque generator includes a rotating frame rotationally driven by the first electric motor, and a second electric motor mounted on the rotating frame. One of or both the rail wheel and the test wheel is connected to the first electric motor via the torque generator. A rated output of the second electric motor is equal to or more than 3 kW, and moment of inertia of a rotating part of the second electric motor is equal to or less than 0.01 kg·m2.

Abstract: A system and method for scanning and evaluating a portion of rail operable for travel by a wheeled bogie having a plurality of electromagnetic engines. The electromagnetic engines are generally operable to generate an electromagnetic field that is operable to penetrate a rail. A resulting eddy current may be generated that is further operable to penetrate the rail. As the electromagnetic engines travel along the rail, readings from the electromagnetic field and resulting eddy current may be used to detect differences in the rail as measured with respect to a nominal rail. The defects detected may be head checks, cracks, corrosion, etc. Further, a treated rail section may be utilized to strengthen the rail itself without compromising non-destructive evaluation. The disclosed system and method may be embodied as a computer program product.

Abstract: A device (1) including an ultrasonic measuring unit (7) that sends an ultrasonic signal (S1) into a structure (2) and measures the amplitude of the ultrasonic signal (S2) reflected by the structure (2), a processing unit for determining the thickness of the interposition mastic (3) from the measurements of the ultrasonic measuring unit (7) and with the aid of a propagation model of the interposition mastic (3) which provides a thickness value of the interposition mastic (3) depending on the propagation time of the ultrasonic signal in the interposition mastic (3) as well as auxiliary data, and a processing unit for deducing a conformity or a lack of conformity of said interposition mastic (3) and the presence of cuttings from the thickness of the interposition mastic (3), the device (1) carrying out a conformity checking that is accurate, fast and reliable without having to disassemble the structure (2).

Abstract: An estimation device includes: M transmission antenna elements each transmitting a first transmission signal; N transmitter-receivers each including a reception antenna element and receiving, over a predetermined period, a first reception signal including a reflection signal that is the first transmission signal reflected by a first living body, using the reception antenna element; a memory storing training signals that are second reception signals obtained by causing the N transmitter-receivers to preliminarily receive second reception signals including reflection signals that are second transmission signals transmitted from the M transmission antenna elements to a second living body and reflected therefrom; a first vector calculator calculating a first vector for each training signal and each first reception signal by respective predetermined methods; and a circuit identifying the first living body or estimating an orientation of the first living body by a predetermined method, using correlation coefficient

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing device includes: a signal acquiring unit which receives a reflected echo signal relating to a reflected echo of ultrasonic waves from an object being inspected, a defect detecting unit which detects a defect of the object being inspected on the basis of the reflected echo signal, and a display unit which displays the detection result of the defect detecting unit. The defect detecting unit uses the maximum signal strength of the reflected echo signal exceeding a first threshold value to detect the defect. The first threshold value is a value with which the signal strength is less than the maximum signal strength of the reflected echo signal from the surface of the object, using as an evaluation range an interval between a position which is positioned a first distance from the surface of the object and a bottom surface of the object.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a battery component includes a heating device configured to heat a surface of the battery component to a selected temperature, an optical-visible imaging device configured to take an optical image of the surface, a thermal imaging device configured to take a thermal image of the surface, and a processor configured to acquire the optical image and the thermal image. The processor is configured to correlate the thermal image with the optical image, identify a feature of interest in at least one of the optical image and the thermal image, determine a geometric characteristic and a temperature characteristic associated with the feature of interest, and determine whether the feature of interest is a defect based on the geometric characteristic and the temperature characteristic.

Abstract: A detector that detects an internal state of a plate-shaped object including a fiber-reinforced resin. The detector includes an exciter that applies, to a surface of the object, ultrasonic vibrations of Lamb waves, in a selected frequency range where only a zero-order fundamental wave symmetric mode and a zero-order fundamental wave asymmetric mode of the Lamb waves appear, a vibration detector that detects the applied ultrasonic vibrations propagating in the object, and an internal state estimation calculator that estimates the internal state of the object, by obtaining a propagation time of the ultrasonic vibrations propagating in the object corresponding to each frequency of the Lamb waves, based on the detection result of the vibration detector, estimating the internal state based on a delay time of the propagation time relative to a reference propagation time of the object for each frequency in the selected frequency range, and outputting the estimated internal state.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a computer-implemented method for inspection. Removable sensors are installed on equipment used in hydrocarbon facilities at locations susceptible to high temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA). Attachment uses adaptable hybrid pads. Surface data captured using the sensors includes surface temperatures, per hydrogen (Ph) measurements, and methane measurements for methane escaping from external surfaces of the equipment. A presence of cracks in the equipment base metal is determined. An HTHA susceptibility analysis of the equipment is performed based on the presence of the cracks and by analyzing the surface data and mapping potential HTHA cracks and early signs of methane formation. The steps are repeated on other locations. An inspection result and assessment, generated using the captured surface data, includes a final analysis of assessment reports indicating a likelihood of cracks propagation and a presence of fissuring inside the equipment base metal.

Abstract: A utility pole monitoring device comprising: a body adapted to couple to a utility pole, a vibration device arranged on the body and configured to generate vibrations on or in the utility pole, a sensor arranged on the body for measuring the vibrations within the utility pole generated by the vibration device, and a controller for providing an initialization signal to the vibration device, and receive measured data from the sensor.

Abstract: A tunnel defect detection and management system based on a vibration signal of a moving train. This system identifies the defects in a subway tunnel structure and soil behind a wall through the acquisition, transmission and analysis of an on-board acceleration signal. A signal acquisition sensor is mounted on the moving train. A signal acquisition module and a signal transmission system are mounted in the train to preprocess and compress the signal. A data processing and analysis server performs data analysis to quickly identify the defects of the tunnel and the auxiliary structure thereof, and determine a defect location and type. A tunnel management platform releases real-time detection information and health status of the tunnel, alarms for the defects, and releases the defect data to relevant personnel to take measures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for monitoring a composite structure. The sensor includes multiple sensing elements of different sizes, each configured for different respective monitoring tasks. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating the sensor, designing and manufacturing the sensor, and attaching the sensor to the composite structure.

Abstract: A defect detection and remediation system can be used to detect and remediate sub-surface defects within a cast metal during the continuous casting stage. The system can include a detection device having one or more detection units to detect a defect within the cast metal using ultrasonic waves and a remediation device having one or more remediation units to remediate the defect detected by the detection device in a target area of the cast metal containing the detected defect.

Abstract: An inspection probe and system for inspecting a welded or brazed joint includes a housing having an internal cavity and opposed tapered standoffs disposed at a distal end portion of the housing. Distal ends of the opposed tapered standoffs define pivot surfaces, and the opposed tapered standoffs are spaced apart to define a secondary enclosure. A plurality of transducer elements are disposed within the internal cavity of the housing and a primary coupling medium made of a flexible, semi-solid material is secured between the opposed tapered standoffs. A signal processing module is in communication with a data acquisition unit, which is in communication with the transducer elements. The inspection probe is rotated across the joint, data from the transducer elements is communicated to the signal processing module, and reconstructed and corrected images obtained at different angles from the transducer elements are stitched to generate an inspection image.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of detecting crack propagation in a wall of a metallurgical furnace by a detection unit. The detection unit is configured to extract one or more dominant frequency parameters from the corresponding reflected stress signal, and analysing, a phase from each dominant frequency parameters. The analysing of the phase comprises determines, one or more coefficients for each dominant frequency parameters. The detection unit then identifies, a dominant phase based on the corresponding one or more coefficients and selects a frequency relevant to a thickness parameter based on the dominant phase. The crack propagation in the wall of the metallurgical furnace is then detected based on the frequency relevant to the thickness parameter at each of the one or more locations. The present disclosure provides an accurate method for determining condition of refractory lining by elimination unwanted noise signals.

Abstract: A method and device for inspecting marine risers is described. The marine riser is deployed from a floating unit and connected to a lower marine riser package (LMRP) and a blow-out prevention (BOP) stack, and the method comprises: performing a first riser inspection with an inspection tool where the marine riser is in an unconnected well configuration, wherein the inspection tool includes an ultrasonic transducer device, and the first riser inspection comprises: conveying the inspection tool in an internal diameter of the marine riser, detecting information on the marine riser with the inspection tool while conveying the inspection tool through the marine riser, and collecting data with the inspection tool corresponding to the information detected by the inspection tool.

Abstract: Technologies for non-contact displacement control are disclosed. An additive manufacturing system may include a dispenser having a tip configured to deposit an additive material onto a substrate, a transducer coupled to the dispenser and configured to transmit an emitted signal from the dispenser to the substrate, and a sensor coupled to the dispenser and configured to detect a return signal from the substrate to the dispenser, where the return signal is indicative of a distance between the tip of the dispenser and the substrate.

Abstract: A touch sensor includes a touch structure; a signal generator configured to generate an excitation signal; a transmitter configured to receive the excitation signal and transmit an ultrasonic transmit wave towards the touch structure based on the excitation signal; a receiver configured to receive an ultrasonic reflected wave produced by a reflection of the ultrasonic transmit wave at the touch structure, wherein the transmitter and the receiver are coupled by a capacitive path, the receiver is configured to be influenced by the excitation signal whereby the excitation signal induces a capacitive cross-talk on the capacitive path, and the receiver is configured to generate a measurement signal representative of the capacitive cross-talk; and a measurement circuit coupled to the receiver and configured to perform a comparison of the measurement signal with a threshold to determine whether a no-touch event or a touch event has occurred at the touch interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for monitoring a boss of a composite structure for a boss cracking event. The system includes a first sensor located on an outer surface of a neck of the boss and configured to detect first deformation data associated with the boss. The system also includes a second sensor located on the outer surface of the neck of the boss at a location diametrically opposite of the first sensor and configured to detect second deformation data associated with the boss. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to determine, based on the first deformation data and the second deformation data, whether a boss cracking event has occurred.

Abstract: Method is provided for determining the extent of defects, in particular of crack depths, in a test specimen. At least one transmitting transducer excites sound waves in the ultrasonic range, and the sound waves propagate in the form of a sound beam. The acoustic axis of the sound beam preferably forms an angle the normal to a surface of the test specimen facing the transmitting transducer. The sound waves couple into the test specimen obliquely and are reflected in particular in a V-shaped manner at a preferably outer interface of the test specimen. At least one receiving transducer spaced apart from the transmitting transducer receives the sound waves reflected at the interface of the test specimen. By means of an evaluation unit, an extent of a defect arranged within a sound path is determined from a reduction of the amplitude of the sound waves received by the receiving transducer.

Abstract: The thickness of borehole casing can be determined by ultrasound logging in conjunction with simulations of ultrasonic plane-wave echo waveforms across a range of frequencies for a plurality of casing thicknesses and correlation of synthetic frequency spectra derived from the simulated plane-wave echo waveforms for the various casing thicknesses against the frequency spectrum of a measured pulse-echo waveform. In accordance with various embodiments, a portion of the measured pulse-echo waveform that corresponds to the first reflection off the interface between the borehole casing and the borehole fluid is used as a driving pulse to weight the simulated plane-wave echo waveforms in the synthetic frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A powder bed additive manufacturing apparatus includes a build sleeve, a build platform for supporting a powder bed and object during a build, the build platform lowerable in the build sleeve, and at least one acoustic sensing system. The acoustic sensing system includes an acoustic emission sensor and an acoustic waveguide. The acoustic waveguide extends through the build platform such that a receiving end of the acoustic waveguide distal from the acoustic emission sensor abuts a surface of a build substrate removable mounted to the build platform to transmit structure-borne acoustic waves from the build substrate to the acoustic emission sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a fusion joint is provided. The apparatus includes a processor, an ultrasound (“US”) probe in communication with the processor, and a database comprising classification rules. The processor is configured to generate an initial set of US scanning positions about the fusion joint based on information of at least one of the US probe and the fusion joint; measure, via the US probe, a US pulse-echo spectrum from at least two of the initial US scanning positions; compare each measured US pulse-echo spectrum with one or more known US pulse-echo spectrums; classify each measured US pulse-echo spectrum according to the classification rules; and evaluate an aggregate of measured US pulse-echo spectrums to determine if the fusion joint is defective.

Abstract: A method for estimating a pipe property for a plurality of nested tubulars. The method may comprise disposing an electromagnetic (EM) logging tool in a wellbore. The electromagnetic logging tool may comprise a transmitter disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool and a receiver disposed on the electromagnetic logging tool. The method may further comprise transmitting an electromagnetic field from the transmitter into one or more tubulars, measuring the eddy current in the pipe string with the receiver on at least one channel to obtain a plurality of measurements, forming an EM log from the plurality of measurements, extracting data and distinct features from the EM log, forming a relationship between the EM log data and a database, wherein the database is formed from one or more high-resolution measurements, and producing a mapping function between the EM log and the database.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system includes a wave guide, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a calculation part. The wave guide is formed in a rod shape, is inserted into a hole that is formed at a predetermined depth from a surface of a measurement target, and has one end fixed to a deepest portion of the hole. The first sensor is provided at the other end of the wave guide at a position that is substantially the same as the surface. The second sensor is provided on the surface of the measurement target. The calculation part estimates a depth of damage occurring in the measurement target from the surface on the basis of a first detection value of an elastic wave transmitted to the measurement target which is detected by the first sensor through the wave guide and a second detection value obtained by an elastic wave which is detected by the second sensor.

Abstract: A method and system are described for determining a wall thickness of an object such as a pipeline using ultrasound. A pig is used that includes at least one first ultrasonic transducer that is attached to the pig for transmitting ultrasound in the object. Using at least one second ultrasonic transducer, a receiving signal is generated representing reflections of the ultrasound on the object received by the at least one second transducer. The received signals are processed by a processor provided at the pig to obtain a compressed receiving signal. In use, the processor determines a maximal N peaks having largest amplitudes and associated information on a moment on which each one of the maximal N peaks occurs within the receiving signal. Information about the maximal N peaks and associated information on the moment on which the maximal N peaks occurs is stored as the compressed receiving signal in a storing device of the pig.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermal-acoustic-vibration three-parameter integrated in-situ sensor and system with a high-temperature-resistant and high-pressure-resistant structure. The provided thermal-acoustic-vibration three-parameter integrated in-situ sensor with a high-temperature-resistant and high-pressure-resistant structure comprises a heat detection device, a sound detection device and a vibration detection device; and the sound detection device and the vibration detection device are distributed on two sides of the heat detection device.

Abstract: A pump monitoring system for use in wellbore operations can determine whether an indication of a failure is due to an actual pump issue or a failed sensor. The pump monitoring system includes a sensor on a fluid end of a pump to measure properties associated with the pump and a vibration detector. A computing device executes instructions to receive the sensor signal and the vibration signal and identify an irregularity in the sensor signal. The processor then determines whether an operational signal component is present in the vibration signal, and displays an indication that the sensor has failed when the operational signal component is not present in the vibration signal. If the operational signal component is present in the vibration signal, the irregularity is likely caused by a pump problem such as a failed valve.

Abstract: A method includes receiving data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration of a shaft of a machine, the lateral vibration indicative of motion of at least a portion of the shaft perpendicular to a first direction. The lateral vibration is detected by a first sensor located at a first predetermined location on the shaft. The method further includes, receiving data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration of the shaft, the torsional vibration indicative of rotation of the shaft around the first direction. The torsional vibration is detected by a second sensor located at a second predetermined location on the shaft. The method also includes calculating a coherence of the data characterizing time-dependent lateral vibration and the data characterizing time-dependent torsional vibration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for non-destructively estimating the thickness of buried concrete without excavation. An example method may include placing one or more first accelerometers at a plurality of vertical positions below the surface of the ground at an approximate first distance from a vertical edge of the buried concrete each time. The method may further include, for each position in the plurality of vertical positions, generating a dispersive wave in the buried concrete and determining a time of arrival of the dispersive wave at the one or more first accelerometers. The method may further include estimating the thickness of the buried concrete based on at least the times of arrival of the dispersive waves at the one or more first accelerometers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for non-destructively estimating the thickness of buried concrete without excavation. An example method may include placing one or more first accelerometers at a plurality of vertical positions below the surface of the ground at an approximate first distance from a vertical edge of the buried concrete each time. The method may further include, for each position in the plurality of vertical positions, generating a dispersive wave in the buried concrete and determining a time of arrival of the dispersive wave at the one or more first accelerometers. The method may further include estimating the thickness of the buried concrete based on at least the times of arrival of the dispersive waves at the one or more first accelerometers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-situ monitoring of gearbox are provided. An example system includes a mounting plate coupled to a component within the gearbox and a transducer array having a plurality of piezoelectric transducers disposed thereon to ultrasonically obtain diagnostic information about one or more components in the gearbox. The plurality of piezoelectric transducers are in contact with a surface of one or more mechanical components within the gearbox. The system includes circuitry, at least a portion of which is mounted inside the gearbox, electrically couplable to the transducer array, the circuitry configured to direct an excitation signal to a selected piezoelectric transducer of the plurality of piezoelectric transducers, and direct a response received from one or more of the plurality of piezoelectric transducers in proximity to the selected piezoelectric transducer toward a processor programmed or configured to determine gearbox diagnostic information therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are a substrate inspection method and a method of fabricating a semiconductor device using the same. The inspection method may include measuring a target area of a substrate using a pulsed beam to obtain a first peak, measuring a near field ultrasound, which is produced by the pulsed beam in a near field region including the target area, using a first continuous wave beam different from the pulsed beam to obtain a second peak, and measuring a far field ultrasound, which is produced by the near field ultrasound in a far field region outside the near field region, using a second continuous wave beam to examine material characteristics of the substrate.

Abstract: A system includes a processor and, a computer-readable tangible storage device storing program instructions for execution by the processor. The program instructions include instructions for receiving ultrasonic derived data comprising an ultrasound image, representing a region of interest, and radio frequency “(RF”) data associated with the ultrasound image, and instructions for analyzing the RF data to identify at least one feature associated with a region of interest, including either or both of a feature representing a two-dimensional spectrum feature and a feature based on a cepstrum determined from the RF data. The program instructions further include instructions for classifying the region of interest as one of a plurality of anatomical classes from the identified at least one feature and causing a display to display the anatomical class.

Abstract: A plant monitoring apparatus 1 includes: an extraction unit 2 that extracts a feature amount in a frequency response of vibration of a target plant with use of the vibration; a calculation unit 3 that calculates a change that indicates growth of the plant, based on the extracted feature amount and a reference feature amount that corresponds to a reference state of the plant; and an estimation unit 4 that estimates a state of the plant by, with use of the calculated change, referencing state information in which changes of the feature amount from the reference feature amount corresponding to growth of the plant are associated with states of the plant.

Abstract: We provide a novel technique for coupling focused ultrasound into the brain. The ultrasound beam can be used for therapy or neuro-modulation. We excite a selected Lamb wave mode in the skull that mode converts into longitudinal waves in the brain. The benefits of our approach is in improved efficiency, reduction in heating of the skull, and the ability to address regions in the brain that are close or far from the skull.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flaw detection method and device identifies echoes appearing in flaw detection images. By selecting and controlling combinations of transmitting elements and receiving elements, plural waveform signals c are recorded. For each position in an inspection object, intensities of plural waveform signals are extracted based on the propagation time of ultrasonic waves and are totalized. A flaw detection image showing distribution of totalized intensities is generated. By selectively using at least three sound velocities for calculating propagation time of ultrasonic waves, at least three flaw detection images are generated. The areas of at least three echoes respectively appearing in the flaw detection images are calculated and the echo area which is the smallest is identified according to whether or not the flaw detection image showing the echo is one generated using one of a longitudinal sound velocity, a transverse sound velocity and a medium sound velocity.

Abstract: A method includes generating correction data for a construction material that is used by an additive-manufacturing machine to manufacture an object. This correction data compensates for an interaction of the construction material with first radiation that has been used to illuminate the construction material.

Abstract: An assessing device capable of assessing presence or absence of local damage in a structure is provided. The assessing device includes a dominant frequency identifying unit that identifies a dominant frequency of a vibration at each of a plurality of spots in a structure, based on information indicating the vibration at each of the plurality of spots, a phase difference identifying unit that identifies a phase difference at the dominant frequency between the vibrations at the plurality of spots, based on the dominant frequency and information indicating the vibrations; and an assessing unit that assesses damage in the structure, based on the phase difference.

Abstract: An experimental device for studying the propagation characteristics of stress wave in jointed rock mass at high temperatures. The device includes a launch system, a loading system, a measuring system and a heating device. The heating device can be heated in sections to meet complicated test requirements. The measuring system includes two sets of measuring devices to ensure test accuracy. One measuring device uses a strain gauge to measure the local displacement of rock, thus obtaining the change of wave velocity; this method can be used when sample temperature is low. The other device adopts digital image processing technology. The experimental device can control the initial wave form and initial wave velocity, which can better meet the test requirements. The position of the sample can be fine-tuned to avoid the impact of errors left by rock processing on the test results.

Abstract: A supersonic inspection jig has an insertion section 22 inserted into a hole 10 of an inspection target 1, and a flange section 23 connected with the insertion section 22 and contacting the inspection target 1. The flange section 23 has a flange section first surface 231 which is a surface on the side contacting the inspection target 1 and a flange section second surface 232 which is a surface on the side contacting the probe 41. A position limiting section 26 is provided on the flange section second surface 232 to limit the position of the probe 41 so that the probe 41 is maintained in a position separate from a central axis C of the hole 10. Thus, the inspection around the hole becomes easily executable.

Abstract: A welding portion inspection device includes a device body, a probe, a sound propagation medium, an elastic support mechanism configured to allow the probe and the sound propagation medium to be elastically supported to the device body, and a guide member formed of a material higher in hardness than a metal plate. The guide member is disposed such that a first part is positioned on a side of the sound propagation medium and second parts protrude beyond a tip surface of the sound propagation medium. The probe is configured to oscillate a ultrasonic wave such that the ultrasonic wave is emitted to a welding portion of the metal plate through the sound propagation medium and perform inspection of the welding portion based on a detected reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave in a state where the tip surface of the sound propagation medium faces the welding portion.

Abstract: A breakage point is detected as a change point from raw data and the data is divided before and after the breakage point to obtain divided data D1 and D2. When the low-pass filtering is performed on each of the divided data D1 and D2 (step S13) and the filtering for all divided data ends, time-series data whose natural frequency is removed is reconstructed before and after the breakage point. When the reconstruction data are connected at the breakage point, it is possible to restore the time-series data of the test force to the time-series data whose natural vibration of the test machine body is removed while taking advantage of a change in test force at the breakage point.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a condition of an elongated load bearing member of a rope of a hoisting apparatus, such as an elevator includes ultrasound scanning one or more regions of the load bearing member with an ultrasonic scanner. A method for inspecting a condition of a rope of a hoisting apparatus, such as an elevator, which rope includes at least one load bearing member includes inspecting at least one load bearing member of the rope with an ultrasound scanner.

Abstract: A method for automatic defect inspection in wheel shaped casting products is provided, and the three major phases contain preprocessing samples, offline training and online inspection. Specific steps include: collecting and preprocessing training samples, dividing them into three kinds of spoke, rim and axle samples; offline training with the aforementioned three kinds of samples, then generating online detectors respectively for spokes, rims and axles; uploading the well-trained spoke, rim and axle CNN defect detector to the upper computer, placed it in automatic production inspection line. Inspect for defects online automatically. The defect inspection system outputs signals according to the user's requirements. The present invention has a high level of accuracy and reliability, and a strong robustness to variations in illumination, shooting angle and the position of the work piece. It delivers a high level of automation and has no need for an operator to adjust any significant parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing of a train wheel by ultrasound. The method is based on a pulsed ultrasonic field in the train wheel to be tested by an array of individually controllable ultrasonic transmitting transducers acoustically coupled to the train wheel each controlled with a specific analog transient excitation signal. Each analog transient excitation signal generated based on an ultrasonic transmitting transducer-specific stored digital transient excitation function. The resulting echo signals from the train wheel to be tested are recorded by an array of individually controllable ultrasonic receiving transducers. Each ultrasonic receiving transducer can provide an analog, time-resolved echo signal. The received echo signals can be digitized in a transducer-specific way and stored in a set. A plurality of different reception processing rules can then be applied to the latter. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predicting a phase correction of ultrasound waves transmitted from one or more transducer elements and traversing a patient's skull into a target region utilizing data of the patient's skull include predicting a first beam path of the ultrasound waves traversing the skull based at least in part on the target location; computationally determining structural characteristics of the skull along the first beam path based on the acquired imaging data; and predicting a second beam path of the ultrasound waves traversing the skull based at least in part on the determined structural characteristics, thereby accounting for refraction resulting from the skull.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting a rail profile include using ultrasonic phased arrays. Determined anomalies, such as material flaws like volumetric defects and cracks, in a fluid-immersed rail profile are detected by employing one or more phased array probes located proximate the rail profile. Electronic delays and beam steering and focusing can be employed to tailor the inspection to the rail geometry.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for detecting a defect and a method for detecting a defect using the same, and more particularly, to an apparatus for detecting a defect and a method for detecting a defect using the same for detecting a defect inside an inspection object without destructing the inspection object. An apparatus for detecting a defect according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first probe unit configured to transmit a signal into an inspection object and receive a signal generated inside the inspection object, a second probe unit separately installed from the first probe unit and configured to receive the signal generated inside the inspection object, and a position determining unit configured to detect a defect position inside the inspection object using the signal received by the first probe unit and the signal received by the second probe unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-destructive inspection (NDI) of target objects having non-planar surfaces (such as aircraft components having internal stiffeners). A robotic NDI platform is equipped with an NDI sensor and a laser-based alignment system. The laser-based alignment system is operated in a manner to acquire surface profile information in an area of interest on a non-planar surface of the target object. Then the acquired surface profile data is processed by a computer to generate a motion plan for automatically guiding the robotic NDI platform and the NDI sensor to the correct locations, where images of the area of interest may be captured.

Abstract: A method for detecting a defect of a metal plate includes selecting N controllable emitting electromagnetic acoustic transducers EMATs as excitation transducers, and selecting M omnidirectionally receiving EMATs as receiving transducers, exciting an ultrasonic guided wave in a metal plate by a nth controllable emitting EMAT with a predetermined emission angle; determining whether each of M1 omnidirectionally receiving EMATs and the nth controllable emitting EMAT form a scattering group; for the scattering group, solving a position of a scattering point and a direction of a scattering side according to a distance between Tn and Rml, the emission angle and a travel time of the ultrasonic guided wave; performing a curve fitting on all the scattering points in directions of respective scattering sides to obtain a contour image of the defect.