Abstract: A medium fatigue detection apparatus and a medium fatigue detection method detect fatigue of a sheet-like medium. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic sending device for oscillating ultrasonic waves as burst waves, an ultrasonic receiving device, and a sensed intensity detector. The ultrasonic sending device and ultrasonic receiving device are arranged to oppose each other and allow a sheet-like medium to pass between them. The ultrasonic waves sent from the ultrasonic sending device are incident on a principal surface of the sheet-like medium at a predetermined incident angle ?. Fatigue of the medium is detected by measuring a variation in sensed intensity of the ultrasonic waves having passed through the sheet-like medium.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for damage detection and for other detection of the state of a structure or material. Such damage detection and detection of the state of a structure may be performed and operated without the use of baseline data. The present invention may operate using time reversal acoustics or polarization characteristics of piezoelectric devices. The present invention may include a piezoelectric device including two or more piezoelectric transducers.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe apparatus for detecting flaws in a tubular includes a probe housing. The probe housing has an axial axis, a central cavity lying along the axial axis, and a bottom face adapted for placement on the tubular. The bottom face of the probe housing has an opening in the middle. A probe support is disposed within the central cavity and rotatable about the axial axis of the probe housing. An ultrasonic probe is mounted on the probe support and has a scanning face exposed to the opening of the bottom face of the probe housing, and may be coupled to the pipe with a liquid acoustic couplant medium.

Abstract: A method for determining the type of a defect in a weld may include determining a defect location and a corresponding defect signal by analyzing ultrasonic response signals collected from a plurality of measurement locations along the weld. The defect signal and the plurality of defect proximity signals corresponding to ultrasonic response signals from measurement locations on each side of the defect location may then be input into a trained artificial neural network. The trained artificial neural network may be operable to identify the type of the defect located at the defect location based on the defect signal and the plurality of defect proximity signals and output the type of the defect located at the defect location. The trained artificial neural network may also be operable to determine a defect severity classification based on the defect signal and the plurality of defect proximity signals and output the severity classification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method which allows simply, easily and accurately evaluating the fastening state of shoulder parts of a threaded joint for use as a joint of pipes or tubes, such as OCTG, during fastening or after fastening. The fastening state evaluation method for a threaded joint 100 of pipes or tubes according to the present invention is characterized in that it transmits ultrasonic surface waves from the internal surface of either one of the pin 1 and the box 2 toward the internal surface of the other one of the pin 1 and the box 2 through the shoulder parts 13, 23 of the pin 1 and the box 2, and on the basis of the transmitted wave intensity or the reflected wave intensity thereof, determines whether or not the fastening state of the threaded joint 100 is satisfactory.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and measuring gas voids in a pipe with a fluid includes a first ultrasonic transducer externally disposed on the pipe. The apparatus includes a second ultrasonic transducer externally disposed on the pipe. The apparatus includes a multiplexer, transmitter, receiver, controller and processor in communication with the first transducer and the second transducer which in combination identify a void in the pipe from ultrasonic measurements of properties of the fluid in the pipe. A method for detecting and measuring gas voids in a pipe with a fluid includes the steps of measuring properties of the fluid internal to the pipe with transmissions of ultrasonic energy from transducers externally disposed on the pipe. There is the step of identifying a void in the pipe from the properties of the fluid internal to the pipe using signals processed by processor.

Abstract: There is provided a method capable of evaluating a fastening state of a threaded joint that is used as a joint of pipes or tubes such as OCTG with a high degree of accuracy even after being fastened and a method for fastening a threaded joint of pipes or tubes using the evaluating method. The present invention provides a method for evaluating a fastening state of a threaded joint of pipes or tubes including a pin having an external thread part, a metal seal part, and a shoulder part on an outer peripheral surface, and a box having an internal thread part, a metal seal part, and a shoulder part corresponding to each part of the pin on an inner peripheral surface and being fastened with the pin.

Abstract: An ultrasonic testing method relates to a threaded joint of pipes including a pin having an external thread part, a metal seal part, and a shoulder part on an outer peripheral surface, and a box having an internal thread part, a metal seal part, and a shoulder part with the box and pin being fastened together using a lubricant. The method includes transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a plurality of locations along an axial direction of the threaded joint in at least one of the internal thread part, the metal seal part, and the shoulder part of the box; detecting echo intensities and reception times of echoes for the plurality of locations; and detecting an abnormal portion in the threaded joint based on a longitudinal axial directional distribution of the echo intensities and longitudinal axial directional distribution of reception times of the echoes.

Abstract: A system and a retrofit kit for removing debris from a surface of a material. At least one vibration subunit is provided which is either embedded within or operatively connected to a back surface of the material. The vibration subunits are capable of converting a driving energy to a vibrating mechanical output energy which is coupled to the material. At least one external energy source is provided which is operatively connected to the vibration subunits. The external energy source is capable of providing the driving energy to the vibration subunits. The vibrating mechanical energy is capable of causing debris to be removed from the surface of the material.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of at least two edges of at least one web material traveling along a predetermined path. In one embodiment, the sensor system has at least one transmitter block having a plurality of transmitters capable of selectively transmitting ultrasonic signals and at least one receiver block having a plurality of receivers capable of generating receiver output signals in response to the receivers receiving at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block. The receiver block is spaced a distance from the transmitter block so as to define a continuous sensor field of view therebetween whereby at least a portion of the at least one web material traveling along a predetermined travel path interferes with at least a portion of the ultrasonic signals transmitted by the at least one transmitter block.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a system, in which a plurality of acoustic images are recorded and compared at defined intervals of time over a period of time extending several weeks. A large system can be monitored reliably and with little complexity if the acoustic images each contain a plurality of acoustic image areas which are arranged in a spatially different manner, and, between respective recordings of the image areas of an acoustic image, an acoustic sensor is aligned with an image area, which is to be recorded, of a next image area by being moved.

Abstract: There is provided a flaw detection testing method applied to a slot dovetail portion of a turbine generator rotor shaft. The flaw detection testing method includes an angle determining step of determining a slot angle of the slot dovetail portion using a variable-angle ultrasonic probe, a flaw detection performing step of, on the basis of a determination result in the angle determining step, using an angle ultrasonic probe or a phased array probe to perform flaw detection to detect a flaw in the slot dovetail portion, and a flaw depth measuring step of, when the flaw is detected in the flaw detection performing step, using an angle ultrasonic probe to measure a depth of the flaw from a surface of the slot dovetail portion.

Abstract: A nondestructive inspection apparatus according to the present invention has a transmission-side probe configured to emit a first ultrasonic wave toward a test-target fluid, a plate through which a Lamb wave generated by the first ultrasonic wave is propagated when the first ultrasonic wave is propagated, and a reception-side probe configured to measure intensity of a second ultrasonic wave which is emitted from the plate and propagates through the test-target fluid. At this time, the nondestructive inspection apparatus can inspect the test-target fluid without bringing the transmission-side probe configured to emit the first ultrasonic wave and the reception-side probe configured to measure the second ultrasonic wave into contact with the test-target fluid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system to characterize an anomaly in a laminate structure comprises a plurality of actuators to generate a wave signal into a structure being evaluated, a plurality of sensors to collect scattered wave data caused by energy of the wave signal being at least partially reflected or scattered by an anomaly, and a structural health monitoring unit. In some embodiments the structural health monitoring unit executes a scatter imaging algorithm to generate three dimensional image data for the anomaly from the scattered wave data, extracts a scatter volume from the from the scattered wave data, and generates a damage volume estimate and a damage depth estimate from the scattered wave data. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: Provided is a method of ultrasound diagnosis, wherein the method includes: coating a surface of a specimen with a transmission medium; and performing the ultrasound diagnosis, wherein the transmission medium has a viscosity of at least 1,000 mPa·s at 25° C. and contains a hydrocarbon compound.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a rotatable shaft for the presence of defects may include continuously rotating a shaft under an applied load. As the shaft is rotated, an ultrasonic signal may be propagated along the length of the shaft. Attenuated or reflected ultrasonic signals may be collected from the shaft as the shaft is rotated. The presence of a defect in the shaft is determined by analyzing the collected ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A method of examining a steam generator heat exchange tube from the outside surface employing ultrasonic nondestructive inspection techniques. An ultrasonic transducer contacts the outside surface of the tube and transmits a pseudo helical Lamb wave into the wall of the tube chosen to have a mode that does not significantly interact with water in the tube. The reflected waves are then analyzed for changes in modes to identify defects in the wall of the tube.

Abstract: The apparatus and method prevent inspection omission when ultrasonic flaw detection using a transducer array is applied to inspection of a test object being conveyed at a high speed.

Abstract: A method of predicting workpiece deformation prior to machining that causes the workpiece to deform through release of residual stresses. The method includes emitting a beam of ultrasound waves onto the workpiece surface in such a way that a longitudinal wave is propagated in a given direction under and substantially parallel to the surface, positioning at least one transducer in receive mode on the surface to receive a subsurface longitudinal wave that has been propagated, and measuring the propagation velocity of the subsurface longitudinal wave. The method further includes performing these steps in two workpiece regions, a first region sensitive to residual stresses and a second region somewhat insensitive to residual stresses, then calculating a difference in propagation velocity between the velocity measured in the first region and the velocity measured in the second region and from the difference, deducing the deformation that will result from machining the first region.

Abstract: Device for ultrasonic inspection of a wall of a pipeline that encloses a fluidum. The device is arranged to be moveable along a device axis through the pipeline along a longitudinal direction of the pipeline. The device is provided with electronic means, a body, a transmitting transducer and at least two receiving transducers, mutually spaced apart in a first transducer array along an array direction that is directed substantially parallel to the device axis. The electronic means are arranged to operate the transmitting transducer for transmitting a first ultrasonic signal to propagate through the fluidum to reach the wall, and to operate the at least two receiving transducers for receiving a second ultrasonic signal, which originates from the first ultrasonic signal after it is modified by the wall, according to a tandem method. The at least two receiving transducers are operated for receiving substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting composite defects between a first material and a second material, comprising the steps of: (a) introducing horizontally polarized low-frequency transverse waves into an upper surface of the composite material; (b) detecting an ultrasound echo of the emitted low-frequency horizontally polarized transverse waves; (c) displaying the detected ultrasound echoes on a display device.

Abstract: To simply and accurately determine the position of an edge, the depth or the height of a flaw including a surface crack, a corroded portion near the surface layer of a thick specimen, and a minute damage.

Abstract: A method for processing ultrasonic response signals collected from a plurality of measurement locations along a weld to determine the presence of a defect in the weld may include filtering an ultrasonic response signal from each of the measurement locations to produce a filtered response signal for each of the measurement locations. Thereafter, an ultrasonic energy for each of the measurement locations is calculated with the corresponding filtered response signal. The ultrasonic energy for each measurement location is then compared to the ultrasonic energy of adjacent measurement locations to identify potential defect locations. When the ultrasonic energy of a measurement location is less than the ultrasonic energy of the adjacent measurement locations, the measurement location is a potential defect location. The presence of a defect in the weld is then determined by analyzing fluctuations in the ultrasonic energy at measurement locations neighboring the potential defect locations.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test apparatus includes a container containing de-ionized water, a pressing member, a supporting member, and a fixing member. The limiting member, the loading member, and the cover member are disposed in the de-ionized water. The fixing member tightly fixes the pressing member and the supporting member together for mounting at least part of integrated circuits to be detected between the pressing member and the supporting member.

Abstract: A device for destruction-free testing of ferromagnetic component walls with respect to elongate defects has a sending transducer that excites ultrasound waves in a wall area of a ferromagnetic component wall magnetized in a predetermined direction of magnetization. The ultrasound waves propagate on a path oriented by the sending transducer. A receiving transducer receives the ultrasound waves at a spacing from the sending transducer. The configuration of the sending transducer and a high frequency emitted by the sending transducer, which high frequency is to be determined based on a thickness of the ferromagnetic component wall, are selected so as to effect excitation of horizontal shear waves of higher order. The path orientation is selected at a slant angle to the predetermined direction of magnetization. The receiving transducer is positioned lateral to the path and is oriented toward a predetermined testing area of the wall section in the path.

Abstract: A stirring apparatus includes an acoustic wave generating unit that is provided in a vessel keeping a liquid and generates an acoustic wave toward the liquid, the liquid being stirred by the acoustic wave; a driving unit that drives the acoustic wave generating unit; a detecting unit that detects a reflected power reflected from the acoustic wave generating unit; and a determining unit that determines a presence of an abnormality based on the reflected power detected by the detecting unit. The determining unit determines the presence of the abnormality when a difference between an in-operation reflected power which is reflected from, during an operation, the acoustic wave generating unit and a reference reflected power of the acoustic wave generating unit at a same driving frequency exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive testing of the pipes for detecting surface flaws is disclosed. With of the method, flaws can be detected and analyzed in near-real-time while the pipe is produced. The data obtained by ultrasound sensors are digitized in a time window following a trigger pulse, and the digitized data are processed in a digital processor, for example a DSP, using wavelet transforms. The evaluated quantity is compared with a reference value, wherein a determined flaw-based signal can be uniquely associated with the flaw located on the pipe surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a device which may be permanently attached or removably attached to a material such as a vehicular glass window or airplane wing. This device may comprise of a converter sub-unit or vibrator and a coupler. These elements may be arranged to propagate mechanical motion generated by the converter sub-unit through the coupler and optionally into the edge of the attached material. The resulting vibration motion in the material, which could take the form of a longitudinal compression/rarefaction wave, transverse wave, or a combination of the two waveforms, may be of a sufficient magnitude so as to cause the adhesive bond between the material's surface and other solid debris, such as ice, to be broken. This allows the debris to fall away while not damaging the material. The vibration motion in the material may be also of sufficient magnitude to remove a liquid such as water from the material surface.

Abstract: A device for determining the internal structure of a bone along a path directed into the bone (or other tissue) is disclosed. The device comprises a nozzle fluidically connected to a liquid reservoir for providing a liquid jet directed at the bone in the direction of the path; an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves through the liquid jet and for detecting echoes of the ultrasonic waves caused by changes in the acoustical impedance in the bone characterizing changes in the structure of the bone along the path; and an analyzer for interpreting the echoes into meaningful information relating to the location of the structural changes along the path.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprises a transmitting element for transmitting an ultrasonic signal at a fundamental frequency and a receiving element adaptable for multiple receive water path operations and for receiving ultrasonic signals at the fundamental frequency and harmonics of the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A method of detecting an internal flaw in a particulate filter includes a step of coupling ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of moving at least one of the ultrasonic transducer and the particulate filter relative to the other. Consistent coupling of the ultrasonic transducer with the particulate filter is maintained during the moving step. Ultrasonic energy is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer through a majority of a volume of the particulate filter. The method also includes a step of determining if the particulate filter includes an internal flaw using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: Noncontaminating and nondestructive testing of a shaped polysilicon body for a material defect is accomplished by exposing the shaped polysilicon body to ultrasound waves, and the ultrasound waves are registered by an ultrasound receiver after they have passed through the shaped polysilicon body or reflected therein, so that material defects in the polysilicon are detected.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for more accurately determining the thickness of a refractory lining included in an operating metallurgical furnace. Specifically, in some embodiments a transient propagated stress wave is used to determine the condition of a refractory lining, and additionally, provide a systematic way to include the affect that temperature has on the velocity of a compressive wave through a heated refractory material and/or accretions. As identified in aspects of the present invention, and contrary to the common understanding in the art, the velocity of a stress wave, at each frequency and in a refractory material, is not necessarily constant over a temperature range. In accordance with aspects of some specific embodiments of the invention, a scaling factor ? can be calculated for each refractory material to adjust for the presumed velocity of the stress wave through each refractory material.

Abstract: Both a system and method for detecting the presence or absence of internal discontinuities or inhomogeneities in a fired or green ceramic honeycomb structure is provided. The system includes a membrane disposed over a surface of the honeycomb structure, at least one ultrasonic transmitter that engages the membrane and transmits ultrasonic waves into the honeycomb structure, a translation assembly connected to the ultrasonic transmitter for sliding said transmitter across said membrane in a predetermined pattern, and an ultrasonic receiver that receives a modulated response from the ultrasonic waves transmitted into the honeycomb structure. The membrane is preferably plastic sheet material, such as polyester, having a temporary adhesive on one side and a thickness that is about one-quarter of the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves in order to avoid attenuation of the modulated response.

Abstract: Document inspection system comprising a transport system for transporting documents along a transport path (12) through an inspection station. At least one ultrasonic inspection apparatus at the inspection station, the apparatus including ultrasonic transmitting and receiving transducers (42,44) arranged on opposite sides of the transport path, and a processing system for monitoring ultrasonic signals received by the receiving transducer. An ultrasonic absorbing material (300) is provided around the transducers and facing the transport path for absorbing Document guide apparatus (312,314), having a lower coefficient of friction than the absorbing material, extends partially over the absorbing material (300) so as to prevent documents contacting the absorbing material in use while leaving the absorbing material exposed to the transport path at least adjacent the transducers.

Abstract: A method for detection and classification of imperfections in components is proposed having the following stages: Irradiation of pulsed ultrasonic waves from electrical emission pulses on several points of the surface of the component to be examined, reception of the reflected ultrasonic waves at several points of the surface for generating multiple electrical reception signals, analysis and evaluation of the electrical reception signals in terms of their amplitude information with reference to the positions of the points of the irradiated ultrasonic waves and the detected reflected sound waves for generating a three-dimensional spatial distribution of the scattering properties of the component.

Abstract: A method and system for creating highly nonlinear solitary waves for use in performing nondestructive evaluation of structures and materials. The method and system use an apparatus having a spring loaded adjustable striker, a chain of granular particles, and a reloading device that allows for repeated activation of the adjustable striker.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of structures and materials using a highly nonlinear medium for the generation and detection of one or multiple highly nonlinear pulses (or highly nonlinear waves) impinging on a material or structure. The apparatus includes pulse exciters that induce the propagation of highly nonlinear, weakly nonlinear or linear stress waves in the material, system, or structure to be inspected and/or detectors for the observation and the detection of the output waves from the material/structure being tested. The NDE method includes the use of the tunable highly nonlinear apparatus as impulse exciter alone, or in combination with an accelerometer or a nonlinear sensor to detect the outgoing pulse.

Abstract: A method of determining the position of a tire on a vehicle using signal pulses is described. The method includes receiving a plurality of signal pulses from a transmitter associated with the tire in the time the tire completes approximately one rotation, providing at least one predetermined signal pattern associated with a unique tire position on the vehicle, and comparing the plurality of signal pulses to the predetermined signal pattern to determine the position of the tire on the vehicle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test apparatus includes a container containing de-ionized water, a pressing member, a supporting member, and a fixing member. The limiting member, the loading member, and the cover member are disposed in the de-ionized water. The fixing member tightly fixes the pressing member and the supporting member together for mounting at least part of integrated circuits to be detected between the pressing member and the supporting member.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a substrate is provided comprising applying ultrasonic waves to a substrate, receiving echo pulse signals transmitted through the substrate, and analyzing received echo pulse signals to detect defects in the substrate. Thus, defects in the substrate may be detected.

Abstract: A digital pulsed phase locked loop (DPPLL) provides exact measurements of echo phase, time, and/or position delay as well as echo amplitude. These exact measurements provide better and more reliable results that directly benefit the many real world applications for the DPPLL. The DPPLL permits simultaneous tracking of multiple echo pulses and considerably improved echo selection and sampling.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the quality of spot weld joints between pieces of metal includes an ultrasound transducer probing a spot weld joint. The ultrasound transducer transmits ultrasonic radiation into the spot weld joint, receives corresponding echoes, and transforms the echoes into electrical signals. An image reconstructor connected to the ultrasound transducer transforms the electrical signals into numerical data representing an ultrasound image. A neural network connected to the image reconstructor analyzes the numerical data and an output system presents information representing the quality of the spot weld joint. The system is trained to assess the quality of spot weld joints by scanning a spot weld joint with an ultrasound transducer to produce the data set representing the joint; then physically deconstructing the joint to assess the joint quality.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and methods with changes in microstructure properties such as grain size, grain elongation, texture, and porosity, of materials can be determined and monitored over time to assess conditions such as stress and defects. The present invention includes a database of data, wherein a first set of data is used for comparison with a second set of data to determine the conditions of the material microstructure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting defects in a manufactured object. These defects may include flaws, delaminations, voids, fractures, fissures, or cracks, among others. The system utilizes an ultrasound measurement system, a signal analyzer and an expected result. The signal analyzer compares the signal from the measurement system to the expected result. The analysis may detect a defect or measure an attribute of the manufactured object. Further, the analysis may be displayed or represented. In addition, the expected result may be generated from a model such as a wave propagation model. One embodiment of the invention is a laser ultrasound detection system in which a laser is used to generate an ultrasonic signal. The signal analyzer compares the measured ultrasonic signal to an expected result. This expected result is generated from a wave propagation model. The analysis is then displayed on a monitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting ultrasonic inspections of what would normally be inaccessible areas of objects for such properties as thickness, cracks, discontinuities, density, pits and holes. In addition, a method and apparatus for improving ultrasonic inspections with a method for removing trapped gasses from the couplant. Also, a method and apparatus for conduction ultrasonic inspections of objects for multiple properties such as thickness, cracks, discontinuities density, pits and holes with at the same time with a single transducer. Further more, a method and apparatus for conducting rapid ultrasonic inspections of concave surfaces of objects for multiple properties such as thickness, cracks, discontinuities density, pits and holes with a single transducer. This invention allows for the inspection of the entire surface of the object or specific defined areas.

Abstract: An apparatus rides along a rail of a railroad track. A transmitter transmits ultrasonic guided waves bidirectionally along the rail while the apparatus and transmitter are moving along the railroad track. A sensor detects flaws in response to the transmitted ultrasonic guided waves while the apparatus, transmitter and sensor are moving along the railroad track. An electronic coupler operatively couples the sensor to monitoring equipment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pseudo porosity standards, and methods for their manufacture and use, which may substantially mimic the effect porosity has on ultrasonic sound as it passes through a composite laminate. An ultrasonic inspection reference standard for composite materials having porosity may include a member having at least one thickness and at least one discrete wire. The member may be manufactured from a fiber-free polymer resin using a stereo lithography process. The discrete wire may scatter and attenuate ultrasonic energy. The reference standard may replace more costly, porous, fiber-reinforced, composite reference standards in the aircraft industry and in other non-aircraft applications.

Abstract: An acoustical mechanical test method prescribes compressing brittle balls in spherical conforming opposing platens producing equatorial bulging, tensile stresses, and resulting in crack or flaw growth with emissions of acoustical sounds for direct identification of brittle balls having a flaw exceeding a maximum allowable size, such as flaws in silicon-nitride balls used in hybrid bearings as well as conventional steel ball bearings.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of evaluating the internal structure of a grinding wheel through ultrasonic inspection.