Abstract: A system for sorting green lumber into groups for drying includes a striking device arranged to provide an impact on one end of a piece of lumber. A vibration sensor is arranged to detect vibrations in the piece of lumber caused by the impact on the piece of lumber by the striking device. A computation device is configured to determine the acoustic velocity of the piece of lumber from the detected vibrations and a length of the piece of lumber. An indication device provides an indication of a one of the drying groups for the piece of lumber based on the determined acoustic velocity. Alternatively, the indication device may be a bin sorter that receives a signal from the computation device and sorts the lumber into a one of the groups in response to the signal, for example.

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: Acoustic weight or mass sensing technology (referred to here as Acoustic Weigh In Motion (AWIN)) provides accurate weighing of any type of moving load moving over a load bearing medium. Acoustic transducers are affixed to or embedded in the load bearing medium. One or more source acoustic transducers propagate an acoustic wave over an acoustic path through the medium between the source and receiver transducers when the medium is in an unloaded state. The wave is detected at one or more receiving acoustic transducers. A propagation time delay is determined for the unloaded state. When a moving load travels over the acoustic path in the medium, the acoustic propagation time delay for that loaded state is determined. The difference between the acoustic propagation time delays for the unloaded and loaded states is determined. That acoustic propagation time delay difference is used to determine the weight or mass of the moving load.

Abstract: In the ultrasonic inspection method and equipment, a high-resolution and high-S/N-ratio inspection image can be speedily acquired with ease-of-operability. Inspection of the inside of the inspection target is performed by changing incident angle of the ultrasonic wave oscillated from the array-probe ultrasonic sensor. Then, while performing the inspection, the array-probe ultrasonic sensor is sequentially displaced from the position to the position via the position by using the displacement member. This displacement allows acquisition of inspection images on each position basis. Finally, the inspection images thus acquired are visualized as a processed image by adding or averaging the inspection images by shifting the images by displacement quantity of the array-probe ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: An ultrasound system visualizes shear wave propagation in real time by slowing down the propagation of the shear wave as seen by the ultrasound probe. The shear wave source propagates shear waves into the medium at a frequency ?. The ultrasound probe is vibrated by a vibrator at the frequency ????, where ?? is much smaller than ?. The wave propagation as seen by the ultrasound probe is slowed down by a factor ??/?. An appropriate value of ?? allows real-time visualization of the wave propagation. Variations include electronically producing a virtual vibration and the use of multiple shear wave sources.

Abstract: A method for inspection of tubular goods includes using ultrasonic detection means to obtain wall thickness measurement of discrete sections of a tubular good and recording each measurement in association with both the longitudinal and circumferential position at which each measurement was obtained. Accordingly each measurement of wall thickness represents a small portion of the wall thickness of said tubular in three dimensional space. A plurality of said measurements may thereby be displayed by computer means in virtual three dimensional format. Differing wall thickness readings made be represented by different shading or color display, so that anomalies of interest may be readily detected. Alternatively the recorded information may be readily processed by computer means to calculate the effect of stressors on the wall of said tubular good.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a the three-dimensional ultrasonic imaging apparatus for improving accuracy of internal inspection of an object to be inspected and enabling an automatic determination by means of ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A method for both detecting and analyzing a change in the loading condition of a structure. A flexible substrate is employed, in which a distributed network of sensors is built. This substrate is either affixed to the surface of the structure, or built within it, so as to be able to detect propagating stress waves. After load change is detected, the resulting sensor signals are analyzed to determine the location, severity, and/or any characteristic frequencies of the load change. This information is then used to determine an appropriate response.

Abstract: A phased array ultrasonic testing system is for examining turbine disc bores and blade attachments for discontinuities, such as stress corrosion cracking. The system is particularly suited to perform an accurate and efficient inspection of components despite their having a relatively complex geometry, such as axial entry blade attachments and bores of associated discs. The system includes a control system with a computer and a controller for programming, emitting, and steering an ultrasonic beam via at least one two-dimensional phased array probe, thereby precisely inspecting the area of interest while simultaneously accommodating the aforementioned complex geometry of the disc or blade attachment. Computer control of the beam permits the number of inspection locations and the number of different probe wedges to be reduced providing for an efficient, timely inspection. Methods of profiling and examining turbine components of known and unknown geometries, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an inspecting method of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator having a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and two or more electrodes, the frequency response characteristics is picked up when a vibration is given to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator, and the amount of displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is predicted by the frequency response characteristics. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is precisely inspected without dissolution and destruction and without actual driving as a product.

Abstract: An ultrasonograph, an ultrasonic transducer, an inspection device, and an ultrasonic imaging device enabling easy and quick inspection and high-resolution or high-speed processing are provided. Barium titanate (BaTiO3) or lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is used for a piezoelectric material constituting the ultrasonic transducer, and the thickness thereof is 0.1 ?m to 100 ?m. Included therein are a drive section capable of driving an arbitrary one of piezoelectric layers, a detecting section detecting electrical signals generated by the plural piezoelectric layers based on echoes from an inspection object, the echoes being originated from an ultrasonic wave generated by the driven piezoelectric layer, and a processing section performing processing for visualizing a state of the inspection object based on the detected electrical signals.

Abstract: A system and method for photoacoustic tomography of a sample, such as a mammalian joint, includes a light source configured to deliver light to the sample, an ultrasonic transducer disposed adjacent to the sample for receiving photoacoustic signals generated due to optical absorption of the light by the sample, a motor operably connected to at least one of the sample and the ultrasonic transducer for varying a position of the sample and the ultrasonic transducer with respect to one another along a scanning path, and a control system in communication with the light source, the ultrasonic transducer, and the motor for reconstructing photoacoustic images of the sample from the received photoacoustic signals.

Abstract: Autonomous non-destructive inspection equipment provides automatic and/or continuous inspection and evaluation of a material under inspection. The inspection equipment preferably comprises at least one detection sensor and at least one detection sensor interface for a computer. The autonomous non-destructive inspection system may also be retrofitted into conventional inspection systems by extracting pertinent features through spectral frequency analysis and sensor compensation and utilizing those features in the autonomous non-destructive inspection system.

Abstract: A method for inspection of tubular goods includes using ultrasonic detection means to obtain wall thickness measurement of discrete sections of a tubular good and recording each measurement in association with both the longitudinal and circumferential position at which each measurement was obtained. Accordingly each measurement of wall thickness represents a small portion of the wall thickness of said tubular in three dimensional space. A plurality of said measurements may thereby be displayed by computer means in virtual three dimensional format. Differing wall thickness readings made be represented by different shading or color display, so that anomalies of interest may be readily detected. Alternatively the recorded information may be readily processed by computer means to calculate the effect of stressors on the wall of said tubular good.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of detecting a boundary between structures within the object with high accuracy and performing imaging processing based thereon. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a transmission and reception unit for converting reception signals outputted from ultrasonic transducers into digital signals; a phase matching unit for performing reception focus processing on the digital signals to generate sound ray signals; a signal processing unit for performing envelope detection processing on the sound ray signals to generate envelope signals; an image data generating unit for generating image data based on the envelope signals; a direction determining unit for determining a direction of a boundary between structures within the object based on the sound ray signals; and an image processing unit for performing image processing on the envelope signals or the image data according to a determination result obtained by the direction determining unit.

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

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a plurality of linear amplifiers simultaneously processing an ultrasonic signal. Each amplifier of the plurality of linear amplifiers has a predetermined gain level suitable for achieving the desired output signal level for input to an analog to digital (A/D) converter for processing. The output of each amplifier is sampled by each respective A/D converter at a very high frequency to convert the analog signal output of each of the linear amplifiers to a digital signal. Logic circuits simultaneously monitor all of the output digital signals from the A/D converters. The logic circuits determine which output of the A/D converters has the greatest linear output and stores the selected output in a memory storage device.

Abstract: There are included a movable body on which an ultrasonic wave signal output part for producing and outputting an ultrasonic wave signal of a particular frequency is mounted; an ultrasonic wave signal reception part for receiving the outputted ultrasonic wave signal; a determination part for determining the difference between the frequency of the ultrasonic wave signal received by the ultrasonic wave signal reception part and the particular frequency; a calculation part for calculating the speed of the movable body from a signal of the determination difference; and a display part for displaying a result of the calculation.

Abstract: Test sound wave is outputted from a speaker. A movable part of a three-axis acceleration sensor, which is a micro structure of a chip to be tested TP, moves due to the arrival of the test sound wave which is compression wave outputted from the speaker, that is, due to air vibrations. A change in the resistance value that changes in accordance with this movement is measured on the basis of an output voltage that is provided via a probe needles. A control part determines the property of the three-axis acceleration sensor on the basis of the measured property values, that is, measured data.

Abstract: A cooking oil quality sensing apparatus and system includes an acoustic wave sensor composed of one or more acoustic wave transducers configured upon a piezoelectric substrate such that when the acoustic wave sensor is in contact with cooking oil, the sensor generates acoustic wave data indicative of the quality of the cooking oil. An antenna can be integrated with the acoustic wave sensor, such that the antenna receives data an external source and transmits the acoustic wave data indicative of the quality of the cooking oil to the external source. An oscillator can be integrated with the acoustic wave sensor, such that the output of the oscillator contains data indicative of the quality of the cooking oil. The acoustic wave sensor can be coated with a material that is selectively sensitive and/or reactive to one or more fatty acids associated with or contained in the cooking oil.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating properties of a material are provided. In a first method, the velocity of a stress or sound wave is calculated by measuring the time of flight of the stress/sound wave induced into the material. The resonance of the material is also measured after the wood product is contacted. A separate velocity of the sound wave within the material is calculated using the resonance measurements. A comparison of the individual velocities provides an indication of the homogeneity of properties of the material. The properties may be, for example, stiffness, strength, various gradients or the like. In a second method of the present invention, the velocity calculated using the time of flight method may be used as a guide in determining a fundamental frequency for the stress wave within a material and resultant velocity. The material may be, for example, wood, metal, plastic or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a high pressure condition within an interrupter includes introducing high intensity ultrasonic sound into the outer wall of a vacuum interrupter through a sonic wave guide, then listening for the reflected and retransmitted response signals. The characteristics of the response signals are utilized to determine the pressure within the interrupter, and to determine when an unwanted high pressure condition exists.

Abstract: An RFID biosensor detection system for detecting particular substances has an interrogator circuit to transmit a radio frequency signal, an input transducer mounted on a piezoelectric material to receive an input radio frequency signal and propagate a corresponding acoustic wave within the piezoelectric material. At least two chemically orthogonal or semi-orthogonal biolayers are mounted on the piezoelectric material to receive substances to be tested and cause corresponding changes in the acoustic wave. An output transducer is mounted on the piezoelectric material to receive the acoustic wave and transmit a corresponding output radio frequency signal. A receiver circuit receives the corresponding output radio frequency signal and provides separate channel data indicative of the substances received.

Abstract: System and method for resolving phase ambiguities of various transducer arrays, including non-coplanar interferometer antennas on an aircraft skin, in order to determine the direction of arrival of a signal received by the array and emitted by a source remote from the array.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel application of a wavelet-based multiscale method in a nanomachining process chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of wafer fabrication. The invention involves identification of delamination defects of low-k dielectric layers by analyzing the nonstationary acoustic emission (AE) signal collected during copper damascene (Cu-low k) CMP processes. An offline strategy and a moving window-based strategy for online implementation of the wavelet monitoring approach are developed.

Abstract: A method for evaluating, during a welding process, a welded joint as it is forming between at least two parts of a joint using at least one ultrasonic transmitter sound penetrating the region of the forming welded joint with ultrasonic waves and at least one ultrasonic receiver, which registers the changes in sound transmittance of the ultrasonic waves penetrating the region of the forming welded joint in order to evaluate the welded joint. Sound is transmitted with longitudinal (l) and transverse (t) ultrasonic waves into the region of the welded joint, the time-dependent changes in sound transmittance Dl(t), Dt(t) of the longitudinal ultrasonic waves (l) and the transverse ultrasonic waves (t) being registered separately, and using the ratio of Dl(t) to Dt(t), the time point ts at which a molten mass forms in the region of the welded joint being determined and serving as a basis for evaluating the welded joint.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods to obtain an ultrasonic image of a large detection area are disclosed. A system includes a source of ultrasound generating ultrasonic energy and projecting the ultrasonic energy from a projecting end and an adapter interfaced to the projecting end and ultrasonically coupling the source of ultrasound to a first surface of the structure to be imaged at an adjustable angle of incidence. A method includes ultrasonically coupling a source of ultrasonic energy to a first surface of a structure to be imaged with an adapter, the adapter adjustable to a select a first angle of incidence and a second angle of incidence, projecting ultrasonic energy into the structure, and detecting a reflected acoustic energy from the structure with an ultrasound camera. A first angle of incidence is selected to introduce a longitudinal wave into the structure, and a second angle of incidence is selected to introduce a shear wave into the structure.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting the presence of foreign material in food utilizing optical backlighting and/or ultrasonic inspection are presented. In optical backlighting, a substantially monochromatic light source optically backlights a food stream with source light having a wavelength between about 500 and 600 nm. An image of the food stream is captured and the presence of foreign material is determined when a portion of the detected image exceeds a predetermined threshold. The technique is especially suitable for the detection of bone in chicken meat, and the light source can be a planar array of green LEDs. In ultrasonic inspection, a process stream is interrogated with pulses of ultrasound and the presence of foreign material is determined based on the detected off-angle ultrasound scattering response.

Abstract: A self-contained apparatus for inspecting energized and de-energized conductors. The apparatus includes a housing, at least one transmitter contained within the housing for generating and impinging pulses onto an electrical conductor, such that the pulses travel through and are reflected by the electrical conductor, and at least one receiver contained within the housing for receiving reflected pulses from the electrical conductor. The apparatus further including a controller for determining a condition of the electrical conductor based on an evaluation of the reflected pulses, and at least one indicator for displaying the condition of the electrical conductor determined by the controller.

Abstract: An ultrasonic driving device with multi-frequency scanning that includes a signal generating module, an output module, and an ultrasonic transducer module. The signal generating module provides a first drive signal, the frequency of which varies within a specified range. The output module is connected electrically to the signal generating module for receiving the first drive signal therefrom, and for adjusting amplitude of the first drive signal to result in a second drive signal. The ultrasonic transducer module is connected electrically to the output module for receiving the second drive signal therefrom, and for producing ultrasounds, the frequency of which corresponds to that of the second drive signal.

Abstract: With the aim of suppressing power consumption and reducing circuit size, a positive FET is turned on in accordance with a positive pulse signal and turned off when a return voltage rises up to a positive threshold. An active ground clamp circuit causes the output line to return to the ground voltage after the elapse of a predetermined period of time. A negative FET is turned on in accordance with a negative pulse signal and turned off when the return voltage falls down to a negative threshold. The active ground clamp circuit causes the output line to return to the ground voltage after the elapse of a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Novel methods and structures are disclosed herein which employ pseudorandom sequences to spatially arrange multiple sources in a pseudorandom source array. The pseudorandom source array can replace the single source in analytical instruments relying on spatial separation of the sample or the probe particles/waves emitted by the sources. The large number of sources in this pseudorandom source array enhances the signal on a position sensitive detector. A mathematical deconvolution process retrieves a spectrum with improved signal-to-noise ratio from the detector signal.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrasonically measuring the thickness of sputter targets of varying shapes. An immersion bubble (32) and transducer (36) provide pulses to a front surface (24) and a front surface/bonded surface (26) interface of a target. The pulses generate reflected echoes that are converted to electric signals. By measuring the difference in time that the electric signals occur the thickness of the target may be approximated to identify whether the thickness of the target is appropriate for use. The system includes a sputter track (15), specimen (20), chuck (28), nozzle (34), columns (60), opening (62), inlet (70), cable (58), gauge (59), turret (90), position (92), remote PC controller (110), electrical line (112), and rear part (84).

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus capable of obtaining image information at a high volume rate and improving resolution. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus has an ultrasonic transducer array including plural ultrasonic transducers for transmitting ultrasonic waves in accordance with drive signals and receiving ultrasonic waves to output detection signals; pulsers for supplying the drive signals; an ignition timing controller for controlling the pulsers to respectively transmit plural ultrasonic beams toward plural directions within a predetermined period so that adjacent two ultrasonic beams are separated by 20° or more from each other; receivers for processing the plural detection signals; and plural phase matching units, provided in correspondence with a number of the ultrasonic beams to be transmitted, for performing phase matching on the basis of the processed detection signals so that plural receiving focal points are formed for each of the transmitted plural ultrasonic beams.

Abstract: A particle size distribution monitor, comprising: a transducer adapted to be a source of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with a suspension containing a percent by volume of particles in a liquid, the transducer transmitting ultrasonic energy through the suspension wherein the energy comprises a wideband pulse containing a range of frequency components; a transducer adapted to be a receiver of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with said suspension to receive said wideband range of ultrasonic energy which has passed through the suspension; a first means adapted to accept a signal from said receiver and make an instantaneous determination of the attenuation of the wideband ultrasonic energy in passing through the suspension.

Abstract: An ultrasound inspection system is provided. The ultrasound inspection system includes a pulse echo transducer and a processor that is operationally coupled to the transducer. The system facilitates reducing noise in an echo received from a near surface inspection area of a component. To facilitate reducing noise the processor is programmed to extract an A-scan data set from a B-scan image of the component. The processor is also programmed to locate a half-max point of a front surface echo in the A-scan data set. The processor is also programmed to locate the front surface of the component using a first zero crossing in a derivative of the A-scan data set.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a testing apparatus for testing material integrity of an object. The exemplary testing apparatus includes a phased array transducer, which is disposed external to the object. The phased array transducer is configured to transmit a first set of ultrasonic signals and to receive a second set of ultrasonic signals. The testing apparatus further includes logic circuitry coupled to the phased array transducer. The logic circuitry is configured to dynamically control apertures for transmitting the first set of ultrasonic signals and receiving the second set of ultrasonic signals based on a region of interest and a testing speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method of non-destructively monitoring reactive material through a substrate for changes in material properties that designate the condition of the reactive material during cure and service life. A transducer is placed on a portion of the substrate generally parallel to an interface of the substrate to the reactive material. The ultrasonic waves generated via the transducer are used to detect reflected sound waves upon encountering the interfaces, where the interfaces consist of changes in material properties across the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a depth of a crack from ultrasound scan data are provided. The method includes mapping multiple amplitude responses from the ultrasound scan data, each mapped amplitude response being representative of a signal from one of the sensors. The method further includes locating multiple linear responses among the mapped amplitude responses, each linear response being an indicator of a reflected signal from the crack. One or more sensor that corresponds to the linear responses from a given crack is identified. The depth of the crack is estimated using data from the identified sensors.

Abstract: A method and system provides for acoustic sensing of structures, including a general shape and/or configuration of the structure and movement within the structure. Acoustic waves are used to characterize structures, including any activity within. As waves from a sound source travel into the structure, they resonate within cavities and connecting tunnels or halls. This acoustic resonance is received at an acoustic receiver. The received signal is analyzed in comparison to the generated signal, and properties of the structure are determined, including the size and shape of the structure, as well as movement of objects within the structure.

Abstract: A human or other status discriminating apparatus includes an ultrasonic vibration detecting sensor comprising a container main body, a liquid packed tightly in the container main body, and an ultrasonic vibrator for transmitting ultrasonic waves into the liquid and receiving ultrasonic waves reflected from the liquid surface, to detect behavior of a subject, an ultrasonic transmission and reception control device including an ultrasonic transmitter/receiver, a signal converter, and a microcomputer, for issuing a transmission signal at specific time intervals to the ultrasonic detecting sensor, receiving a reception signal at specific time intervals from the ultrasonic detecting sensor, and calculating risk associated with the detection object from the change of maximum amplitude of the input reception signal, and a cable for coupling the ultrasonic detecting sensor and ultrasonic transmission and reception control device, and forming an input and output passage of transmission signal and reception signal.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for use in a industrial process includes monitoring electronics or diagnostic circuitry configured to diagnose or identify a condition or other occurrence in the industrial process. The system can be implemented in a process device such as a flowmeter, and in one example an acoustic flowmeter. A transducer can also be used and a frequency response, such as resonant frequency, can be observed.

Abstract: A method of connecting hollow conductors with a brazing alloy employs a measuring mechanism 10 for measuring a connecting state of a connecting portion after brazing hollow conductors. The measuring mechanism comprises a scanner 101 and a holder 19, which are separated in advance, so that the mechanism can be installed in a narrow space. A display mechanism 20 displays measuring results as tow-dimensional patterns, and the evaluation mechanism 30 evaluate the connecting portions by an area of the defects and an integral length of sound portions. A judgment mechanism 40 evaluates relative relation of the measuring results with causes-and-defects, which are previously stored, and shows the cause of the defect.

Abstract: A digital reordering unit, an ultrasonic front-end device and operating method thereof are provided. The ultrasonic front-end device for use in an ultrasonic system, compatible with P types of reception channels, where P is an integer larger than or equal to 1; the ultrasonic front-end device being connected between a probe and a detector of the ultrasonic system and controlled by a primary controller of the ultrasonic system; the probe having M array elements, where M is an integer larger than or equal to 1, the ultrasonic front-end device having an ultrasonic transmission part and an ultrasonic reception part, wherein the ultrasonic transmission part comprises a transmission beamformer and M transmission driving units, and has M transmission channels; the ultrasonic reception part comprises M high-voltage isolation circuits, RC amplifiers, RC ADCs and a beamformer electrically connected in said order and has RC reception channels, where RC=[N,2N,3N . . .

Abstract: A plurality of ultrasonic sensors is provided in both front and rear bumpers of a vehicle to detect obstacles around the vehicle. Each sensor sets up a transmission frequency of an ultrasonic pulse signal that should be set up in a frequency adjustment circuit and a center frequency in filter processing in a filter circuit in response to a frequency setting frame transmitted from an EMU. The EMU stores a combination of the transmission frequency and the center frequency for each ultrasonic sensor.

Abstract: A device for measuring a distribution of selected properties of a material. The device includes an emitter configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at at least a first and second frequency in a selected frequency range through the material, at least one sensor configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the material, and an analyzer configured to determine the distribution of selected properties based on the detected electromagnetic radiation at the at least first and second frequency. Further, the distribution of the selected properties is unchanged between the emitted electromagnetic radiation at the first and second frequencies.

Abstract: Subsurface defects in a processed metal are detected by a laser-ultrasonic method involving generation of a surface acoustic wave at one location on the processed metal surface, and detection of a scattered acoustic wave at another location on the processed metal surface. The method can be used in-line to provide real time monitoring of laser cladding and other metal processing operations.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonically inspecting a generator field tooth for the detection, characterization and/or sizing of cracks thereat is disclosed. An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) productive of a test signal having a defined angle of refraction with respect to the tooth material is selected. The EMAT is positioned at an outer surface of the tooth absent a fluid couplant and oriented so as to direct the test signal to propagate through the tooth toward a load surface of the tooth where a butt joint of a set of wedges is disposed. The EMAT is activated so as to test the load surface proximate the butt joint for cracks thereat.