Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring characteristics of meat, such as beef. More particularly, the invention uses quantitative analysis of ultrasonic A scan signals to measure the following characteristics of meat in real time: the percentage of intramuscular fat, the quality grade, the merit number, the depth of back fat and the approximate size of a predetermined rib eye area. The ultrasonic A scan signals are measured above the twelfth rib, above the thirteenth rib and between the twelfth and thirteenth ribs. The invention can be used with either live or processed animals.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for performing sensing a spatial area and/or measuring ontactless a distance has at least one ultrasonic transducer for sending ultrasonic impulses and/or receiving the echo of the ultrasonic impulses. A device for concentrating the energy of the ultrasonic impulses onto a spatial area to be sensed and for concentrating the energy of the echo of the ultrasonic impulses onto the at least one ultrasonic transducer is provided. The device for concentrating the energy has a reflector with a reflective surface. The reflective surface has parabolic surfaces of second order. The reflector comprises reflector segments that are rigidly or movably connected to one another. A first and second reflector segments are outer segments having reflective surfaces that are paraboloid segments of 50.degree. to 120.degree. of a paraboloid of revolution with a first focal point.

Abstract: A railroad wheel test apparatus for sensing and mapping the subsurface of a railroad wheel tread face has a housing assembly with a holding device, a wheel transfer arrangement, a transducer assembly, a positioning and moving table for the transducer and a control apparatus for receiving evaluation signals from the transducer and also for communicating control signals to the positioning table and wheel transfer devices as well as a drive apparatus, where the wheel is positioned in a fluid bath and while the wheel is rotated the transducer imposes an ultrasonic signal on the tread face and receives the response signal therefrom to provide a map of the tread-face subsurface structure.

Abstract: A servo system for directing the operation of an ultrasound beam is described. The system includes a rotor and stator combination that utilizes electromagnetic forces to move the ultrasound beam in translational and rotational directions. In an embodiment of the invention the rotor is a permanent magnet that may be levitated and moved using a plurality of stator coils. Sensors are used to determine the position of the rotor, which information is used by a controller to regulate the stator operation designed to effect movement of the rotor. The sensors are preferably hall effect sensors. The permanent magnet is optionally placed in a fluid having buoyancy characteristics that reduce the electromagnetic force required to levitate the rotor. The rotor may be located off center within a housing so as to conform to asymmetrical viewing requirements, such as in transcranial Doppler ultrasound measurements.

Abstract: A non-destructive method of determining substrate tilt within a packaged component includes providing the packaged component (10) with a component surface (32), providing a substrate (22) in the packaged component (10) wherein the substrate (22) has a substrate surface (33), using an acoustic wave (50) to measure a distance (34) between the component surface (32) and a region on the substrate surface (33), using another acoustic wave (53) to measure another distance (35) between the component surface (32) and a different region on the substrate surface (33), and comparing the distances (34, 35) to a threshold value.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device for continuously detecting and/or measuring in situ internal defects of a railway rail includes at least one ultrasonic sensor (15) subjected to a pressure tending to move it in the direction of the rail. The sensor presses against the rail through a smooth web 17 made of a synthetic material that is pervious to ultrasounds.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for laser ultrasonic imaging an object. In the present invention, a synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) is used to generate a high resolution subsurface images of the object. In addition, the present invention filters low frequency components from detected laser ultrasound waveform data to further enhance resolution, SNR, and contrast. Geometric knowledge permits the present invention to generate images of objects having a complex and arbitrary-shape.

Abstract: An automated sensor transport system for non-destructive inspection of a weld through the use of ultrasonic waves produced by an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT). The system includes: a computer control unit; a transport apparatus having a first EMAT for producing an ultrasonic SH shear wave and a second EMAT for receiving an ultrasonic SH shear wave reflected from a weld and a calibration means. The computer control unit, which is in electrical communication with a welding apparatus, the transport apparatus and a data acquisition unit, coordinates the weld test with completion of the weld. An edge detection sensor, which is affixed to the transport apparatus is used to automatically position the transport apparatus for a weld scan and to signal completion of the scan. The system includes an electrostatic shield to protect the second EMAT from electromagnetic and radio frequency interference.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of inspecting for flaws in a specular reflector, where the flaws having an expected length and the reflector is electrically conductive. The method includes directing a beam of an electromagnetic acoustic transmitting transducer along a beam axis toward the specular reflector for producing a reflected electromagnetic acoustic beam. The transmitted beam has side lobes with zero points therebetween, at least some of the side lobes being major side lobes. The reflected beam is received using an electromagnetic acoustic receiving transmitter set at an angle to the beam axis, the angle being selected to be at one of the zero points and past all of the major lobes of the transmitted beam to eliminate root and crown signals of the weld, in the reflected signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor detects the time of rise of the first of transmitted waves and also detects peak points Po appearing in the waveform of received waves to detect a waveform reference point where the time-base coordinate of a phantom envelope connecting these peak points Po is a minimum. The time T2 of rise of the first of the received waves is calculated by adding a predetermined period of offset time To to the time t2 of the waveform reference point of the received waves to calculate the elapsed time .DELTA.T from the time of rise of the first transmitted wave to the time of rise of the first received wave. The distance L to an object of measurement is calculated based on the result of calculation. The distance L to the object can be calculated alternatively based on the elapsed time .DELTA.T' from a waveform reference point of the transmitted waves to the waveform reference point of the received waves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determination of sample thickness and surface depression utilizing ultrasonic pulses. The sample is held in a predetermined position by a support member having a reference surface. Ultrasonic pulses travel through a medium of known velocity propagation and reflect off the reference surface and a sample surface. Time of flight data of surface echoes are converted to distances between sample surfaces to obtain computer-generated thickness profiles and surface mappings.

Abstract: A reactor pressure vessel top guide structure inspection and transport system comprising a remotely operable and positionable underwater vehicle for traversing the top guide structure of a reactor pressure vessel and for positioning an inspection system for detecting defects in the top guide structure.

Abstract: A 3D ultrasound image processing system which realizes display of 3D ultrasound images on a viewing screen by the use of simple and inexpensive means, the 3D ultrasound images having a cut-out section opened in an region of particular interest to expose to view an internal organ or interior tissue structures in a three-dimensional perspective view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive ultrasonic inspection in which a plurality of integrated circuits or other electronic components laid out in a fixed pattern on a liquid-permeable tray are moved along an inspection path through a scanning station. In the scanning station the electronic components are repetitively scanned by an ultrasonic beam from a transmitter/receiver moving rapidly back and forth across the inspection path; an ultrasonic coupling liquid (usually water) continuously flows along the beam path; the coupling liquid also flows along the surfaces of the electronic components opposite the beam path. The tray of electronic components is air dried as it emerges from the scanning station. Both reflected and "through" ultrasonic signals can be collected to disclose any anomalies present in the electronic components. A screen may be used to assure retention of the electronic components in the desired pattern on a tray.

Abstract: The ultrasonic testing device for weld seams (28) in pipes, sheets and containers, preferably for circumferential welds in pipelines, is fitted with two identical test head supports (20), each fitted with at least one test head (e.g., 23), arranged in lateral inversion to the weld seam, which acoustically irradiate from the basic material (30) of the pipes or sheets laterally into the weld seam (28) and are coupled to the surface of the basic material (30) opposite the root (32) of the weld seam (28).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for vision testing wherein visual test patterns displayed on a computer display are adjusted according to predetermined criteria with the distance between the subject being tested and the test pattern being monitored by computer to achieve computer control and adjustment of test object size.

Abstract: A method of locating hydrocarbon reserves comprising: selecting on the basis of a hydrocarbon hypothesis from a region of interest below the surface of the earth patches having probabilities of containing hydrocarbon reserves greater than a predetermined probability; defining from structural data a respective structural closure for each of the patches, each structural closure comprising an area capable of enclosing a hydrocarbon reserve and having a perimeter of constant depth substantially equal to the deepest point of the patch; determining a measure of the geometrical match between each patch and the respective structural closure; and selecting each patch having a measure of the geometrical match exceeding a predetermined measure. Particular geometrical matching methods include those relating to the height, area, volume and perimeter outline of the potential reserves.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus in which ultrasonic waves are transmitted into a subject. The ultrasonic waves are reflected within the subject. The reflected waves are received and an image based on the reflected waves is displayed. In the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a resonance frequency and/or a Q value of a resonance circuit are altered in accordance with conditions and/or an operation of a handler. Thus, it is possible to adapt to various uses with few probes.

Abstract: Apparatus for examining carcasses on a slaughter line, in which an ultrasound transducer comes into contact with a surface of the carcasses. The ultrasound transducer is adapted to be mounted immovably on a stationary frame of the slaughter line so that as the carcass transport mechanism of the slaughter line moves the carcasses across the ultrasound transducer, the carcasses rest on the ultrasound transducer with a considerable part of their weight.

Abstract: A pulse-echo, immersion method for ultrasonic evaluation of a material which accounts for and eliminates nonlevelness in the equipment set-up and sample thickness variation effects employs a single transducer and automatic scanning and digital imaging to obtain an image of a property of the material, such as pore fraction. The nonlevelness and thickness variation effects are accounted for by pre-scan adjustments of the time window to insure that the echoes received at each scan point are gated in the center of the window. This information is input into the scan file so that, during the automatic scanning for the material evaluation, each received echo is centered in its time window. A cross-correlation function calculates the velocity at each scan point, which is then proportionalized to a color or grey scale and displayed on a video screen.

Abstract: A display system for non-destructive inspection of integrated circuit packages is disclosed for producing acoustical reflected images from selected planes within an integrated circuit package to detect flaws within the package.

Abstract: A controlled-immersion inspection mechanism gradually immerses a planar pattern of integrated circuits or other articles into a tank filled with water to a given level; across the tank there are two spaced parallel guide tracks along which two carriages, connected by a platform, move from an entry position above the water to an inspection position. In the inspection position the platform supports the articles, in an orderly array, for scanning inspection by a focussed energy beam, preferably an ultrasonic beam. A platform drive drives the platform between its entry and inspection positions. A mesh or other removable cover that permits water to flow but stabilizes article positions may cover the articles during immersion; the mesh is usually removed before scanning.

Abstract: The number of transducers in the scanning of an ultrasonic field from an object is reduced by providing ultrasonic collectors at spaced apart locations in the medium and transmitting the ultrasonic waves which are collected to a transducer through waveguides or paths having different transit times. The waveguides can be individually of different lengths or can be of equal length and terminate at different distances along a common collecting waveguide.

Abstract: Ultrasonic wave converged by an acoustic lens is made incident onto a sample and wave reflected from the sample is received and converted into received electric signal by a transducer. A part of this electric signal is picked up by a gate section and the signal thus picked up is applied to an attenuator where it is converted into a variable ratio of input to output. The strength of the signal thus gain-adjusted is compared with a threshold value by a comparator. Responsive to the comparison result thus obtained, the gain of the attenuator is adjusted to make the input/output ratio of the attenuator a desired value. A computer calculates the focus position of the acoustic lens from a gain curve of the attenuator changing when the acoustic lens is moved from a position, remote enough from its focus position, to the sample. Drivel signal responsive to the result thus calculated is applied to a Z-drive control section.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and a method for ultrasonically detecting ply wrinkling in a laminated composite. The composite is ultrasonically scanned with sound wave energy generated from transducer(s) operating in an oblique incidence pulse echo mode. Echo signals reflected from the plies of the composite are then detected with the transducer(s). Each set of reflected echo signals represents a three-dimensional waveform data set u(x,y,t) having spatial dimensions (x,y) and a temporal dimension (t) mapping directly to a third spatial dimension (z) orthogonal to the surface of the composite. The three dimensional waveform data set u (x,y,t) corresponds to a three-dimensional volumetric region in the composite. The three-dimensional waveform data set u(x,y,t) is then processed into a rectified data set w(x,y,t). Ply noise in the three-dimensional data set w(x,y,t) is then filtered. The filtered three-dimensional data set is then converted into wrinkle severity C-scan and a wrinkle depth C-scan.

Abstract: A method for detecting and characterizing flaws in an object having an arbitrary-shaped geometry. The present invention uses a synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) which enables maximum aperture imaging. Maximum aperture imaging is attained by determining whether a plurality of reconstruction points within an object are in the width of a transmitted ultrasonic sound wave.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic microscope apparatus, an ultrasonic pulse transmitter-receiver emits an ultrasonic wave irradiated on a sample, receives an echo from the sample, and emits an electric output signal in accordance with the received echo. A scanner is provided for scanning the sample by relatively moving the ultrasonic pulse transmitter/receiver and the sample, and, a detection circuit is provided for detecting an echo component included in the output signal from the ultrasonic pulse transmitter-receiver and for emitting a detected signal. A picture quality adjuster receives the detected signal, adjusts brightness and contrast of the detected signal, and outputs the adjusted signal as an image signal. An adjustment controller adjusts the adjustment amount of brightness and contrast in the picture quality adjuster in accordance with the brightness and contrast values of the image signal output from the picture quality adjuster.

Abstract: A multizone ultrasonic inspection apparatus and method of employing the apparatus for inspecting titanium billets is provided, in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers having focal zones of increasing depth are positioned to examine a cylindrical billet of titanium through the thickness of the billet. The focal zones partially overlap the adjacent focal zones, thus assuring complete examination through the thickness of the entire billet. The reflected signals from the transducer receivers are processed into digital form in order to be used in generating an image of the billet undergoing inspection, and to be used in storing the image data in, for example, a hard disk or an optical disk.

Abstract: For determination of surface and special surface characteristics of an object, e.g. a fingerprint, the finger tip is placed on a convex surface of a support which is irradiated through a liquid or solid medium with spherical ultrasonic waves from a point source provided as a hole in a carrier for a ring of receiving transducers.

Abstract: An adaptive scanning technique for ultrasonic testing of materials utilizing a realtime lift off detection system. The technique recognizes characteristic reflected/generated signals of partial and total lift off occurrences, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is separated from the surface of the test material. Once recognized and analyzed, these characteristic reflected signals are correlated with parameter changes preselected to compensate for such partial or total lift off occurrences. These parameter changes are communicated to a mechanical positioning system that alters the position, scanning speed, and vertical force with which mechanical compliance of the transducer is maintained with the test material.

Abstract: A time gain compensation technique is applicable for use with ultrasound imaging systems, including systems having digital architecture. The time gain compensation apparatus of the present invention comprises a time gain compensation curve generator and the ability to drive the time gain compensation curve generator to provide digital generation of the time gain compensation curve. Digital generation of the time gain compensation curve is achieved by an initial gain and data represented by a series of slopes and associated time-dependent break-points.

Abstract: The remote inspection of seam welds in reactor vessels is improved through the utilization of a pulser network which is inductively isolated from the transducer circuit to which it applies an excitation signal. Through the utilization of a step-up transformer, the pulser network may perform in conjunction with linear d.c. power supplies of lower voltage rating. The inductive coupling between circuits also serves to provide for the positive commutation off of switching devices such as SCRs employed for excitation signal triggering. To avoid ground path induced noise, a different ground path is employed for the pulser network as for the transducer circuit. The transducer circuit ground path is that associated with a manipulator and, for example, a reactor vessel itself. Thus, the transducers employed may come in contact with the surface of the vessel being inspected. In similar fashion, an inductive coupling is provided between the transducer circuit and a pre-amplfying receiver circuit.

Abstract: A method for regulating the thickness of several individual layers of an extruded multilayered plastic web involves melting at least two currents of molten plastic in different extruders and bringing the individual molten currents together in an adapter wherein the currents are superimposed into a laminated extruded multilayer stream. The extruded multilayer stream is supplied to a die slot. Devices are provided for controlling the flow of individual currents of molten plastic by modifying their sections before the currents are brought together in the adapter. In order to regulate the thickness distribution, the thickness of the individual layers of the multilayered extruded stream, which correspond to the different currents of molten plastics, is determined before the stream leave the die slot; that is, while the currents are still in a plastic state.

Abstract: The method for ultrasonic testing of work pieces to detect longitudinal, transverse and oblique errors therein uses a test head support having at least one test head. The test head support is moved in a translatory direction along a surface of the work piece. Ultrasonic impulses are generated in a rapid sequence by the test head, progress along a sound beam, and are directed to impact the surface of the work piece in test areas. All test areas of the at least one test head lie in a linear test path. In the case of uninterrupted, translatory movement, all test areas meet in one and the same test area. The sound beams progress in a given constant angle in relation to one set perpendicular line on each test area. The sound beams rotate, in a conical envelope, around the respective perpendicular line. A complete rotation of 360.degree. takes place in time t.sub.r which is shorter than time t.sub.

Abstract: A self-contained, portable, hands free, one man ultrasonic test view is disclosed. The system can include a variety of features including a semiautomatic scanner for positioning a probe at various locations within a selected region of a specimen that is powered only in one axis with the second axis being manually advanceable by the user. A second feature is a display that is mountable in front of one eye so that the user of the system can simultaneously view the displayed ultrasonic response signal with one eye while viewing the specimen with the other eye to mentally superimpose the one on the other. Another feature is the inclusion in the processor of a voice recognition device to detect and translate voice commands to select and control the operations of the processor together with a microphone for the user to deliver voice commands to the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for dynamically inspecting rolling mill rolls to locate surface defects in the rolls by applying an ultrasonic shear wave circumferentially to a rotating roll, wiping liquid from the surface to remove surface contaminants, and sensing reflections representative of any roll surface defects.

Abstract: For mapping and exploring bodies of water, fan depth finders are used that emit ultrasound pulses and receive-echo pulses in a number of tightly-bundled receiving sectors. Because the predominant number of receiving directions is oriented diagonally downward instead of straight down, these ultrasound pulses propagate on bent paths due to sound refraction. Sound refraction is caused by different sound velocity layers, the precise knowledge of which is necessary for determining an average sound velocity. The method of the present invention does not require a separate measuring probe to measure the sound velocity at different depths; rather, the average sound velocity is determined using a regression method based on the travel time measurements of the ultrasound pulses. In this method, first the floor profile that forms the basis of the measured travel times is determined with an assumed average sound velocity and compared with a floor profile model composed of partial functions modeled in a specific manner.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an ultrasonic flaw detection system are disclosed. A continuous wave of wide-band direct-sequence spread-spectrum signals continuously drives one or more transmitting transducers, thereby flooding a test object with coded ultrasound. In operation, the ultrasonic testing system is capable of reliably and predictably transmitting a high degree of ultrasonic energy (power) to a test object. Code division multiplexing correlation techniques using a variably delayed replica of a selected segment of the DSSS signal are applied to the signals received by the receiving transducers to generate a signature representing the signal returned from all reflectors within the test object.

Abstract: A measuring technique for producing a three-dimensional image and information relating to the type of sand, clay or gravel which defines a wall or walls of a deep concealed underground excavation which is filled with a stabilizing liquid, and which technique facilitates accurate and safe construction, utilizes a transducer which irradiates a surface of the excavation with ultrasonic waves and detects the waves which are reflected back thereto. The transducer scans horizontally in incremental stages which occur with a predetermined angle pitch. After each scan is completed, the transducer is vertically displaced by a predetermined amount and the horizontal scan is repeated. The time required for a wave to reach and be reflected back to the transducer is used to determine the distance of the wall from the device.

Abstract: An untrasonic technique is presented which permits accurate measurement of the Poisson's ratio for a specimen which exists as a thin (<10 mil) layer. This technique measures resonance and should prove especially useful in situations where a bulk specimen is either not readily available or would not properly reflect the properties of the material when configured as a thin layer. A detailed discussion of the theory underlying the technique is included. The technique is then used to determine the values of Poisson's ratio of three thin specimen materials. These values were then contrasted to those of the bulk specimens obtained in a more conventional manner. The technique as presented could be extended for a number of applications, including the cure monitoring of adhesives.

Abstract: Method to implant defects in a metallic component, for the retraining and qualification of operators and in non-destructive test techniques. This method is characterized by the implantation of non-homogenious material directly in the model item and to do so excavations are made that, following implantation of the defects, are filled by a welding process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ultrasonic reconstruction and testing of a non-visible turbine rotor blade attachment structure is described. The method of the invention includes positioning transducers at a first location to obtain slot region scan data corresponding to a slot region of the non-visible turbine rotor blade attachment structure, and positioning transducers at a second location to obtain straddle-mount region scan data corresponding to a straddle-mount region of the non-visible turbine rotor blade attachment structure. The shape of the non-visible turbine rotor blade attachment structure is reconstructed from the slot region scan data and the straddle-mount region scan data to form reconstruction data. The reconstruction data is used to select test scan positions for ultrasonic testing. Ultrasonic testing is then performed at the selected test scan positions.

Abstract: A method of quality control for targets intended for use in the sputtering process. A test parameter is established by immersing the target in a tank of liquid, irradiating the target with ultrasonic energy in the Rayleigh frequency range, and integrating the portion of the ultrasonic energy which passes through the target and reflects off the back wall. This test parameter is closely related to the uniformity of a film which may be sputtered from the target onto a substrate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic measuring device that is especially suited to nondestructive testing of materials is fitted with an ultrasound test head 72, a transmitter (74) and a receiver (76) that is characterized by a broadband logarithmic amplifier (78). This amplifier consists of several amplifier stages that are identical in construction and connected in series. Each amplification stage is characterized by the fact that it contains two transistorized individual amplifiers, namely a first and a second differential amplifier that are connected to one another and whose transistors (20, 22; 24, 26) are each interconnected at their base and at their collector. Each of these transmitters is connected at the emitters via inverse feedback resistors (34, 36; 40, 42) to a constant-current source (46, 50).

Abstract: In a microwave imaging system, a three dimensional profile of the dielectric permittivity of a target is obtained. A transmitter transmits microwaves toward a target, and the target scatters the microwaves. The scattered waves are received by an antenna and are converted into suitable data for application to a digital computer. The computer processes the data using either a scattering matrix algorithm or a Fourier transform algorithm. The computer then generates data representative of a three dimensional profile of dielectric permittivity which can be displayed on a suitable display device such as a CRT.

Abstract: A real time ultrasonic surface contour mapping system is provided including a digitally controlled phased-array of transmitter/receiver (T/R) elements located in a fixed position above the surface to be mapped. The surface is divided into a predetermined number of pixels which are separately scanned by an arrangement of T/R elements by applying phase delayed signals thereto that produce ultrasonic tone bursts from each T/R that arrive at a point X in phase and at the same time relative to the leading edge of the tone burst pulse so that the acoustic energies from each T/R combine in a reinforcing manner at point X. The signals produced by the reception of the echo signals reflected from point X back to the T/Rs are also delayed appropriately so that they add in phase at the input of a signal combiner. This combined signal is then processed to determine the range to the point X using density-corrected sound velocity values.

Abstract: The distance sensor means and the ultrasonic probe are integrally coupled to each other in such a manner that a preceding scanning line to a current scanning line which is scanned by the ultrasonic probe is scanned by the distance sensor means, and the shape-measurement scanning operation of the distance sensor means and the flaw-detection scanning operation of the ultrasonic probe are performed in parallel with each other. A flaw detection area is divided into plural sub-areas, and plural storing areas are arranged in a mesh form in one-to-one correspondence to the sub-areas, only one shape information of position storing area including the flaw detection area being stored in each of the storing areas. The position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe at each flaw detection point is controlled using the stored shape information.

Abstract: An acoustic microscope assembly for atomic level inspection of a target object includes a cantilever arm with a sharp tip on its lower surface and a zinc oxide piezoelectric thin film on its upper surface. High frequency excitation signals, having a frequency of at least 50 Megahertz, are applied to the piezoelectric thin film so as to generate high frequency acoustic signals that are transmitted through the sharp tip so as to impact on a target object. The assembly can either receive acoustic signals reflected by the target object, or it can receive acoustic signals that have propagated through the target object. One method of using this assembly is to apply a continuous wave signal to the piezoelectric thin film while scanning the target object, and measuring characteristics of the target object at various positions thereof by measuring the resonant frequency of the transmitted high frequency acoustic signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing ultrasonic flaw detection, wherein an ultrasonic transmitter transmits a pulse signal having a designated carrier frequency and a designated cycle count to an ultrasonic probe. An ultrasonic receiver receives the echo signal output from the ultrasonic probe. The peak frequency and the frequency bandwidth of the echo signal received by the ultrasonic receiving unit are detected by a signal analysis unit. A transmission control unit designates the carrier frequency and the cycle count of the pulse signal output from the ultrasonic transmission unit so that the detected peak frequency and the detected frequency bandwidth become a flaw detection condition peak frequency and a flaw detection condition frequency bandwidth, respectively.

Abstract: A method of an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection of multi-layered structures having acoustic transmission (I, III, V and VII) and reflection (II, IV, VI and VIII) frequency bands. Variations in one or more parameters of specific layers are largely restricted to specific frequency bands of said layers. By analyzing transmitted or reflected signals with respect to the frequency bands of the structure, interpretation of signals due to parameter variations as caused by voids, inclusions or delaminations can be effectively eliminated. The method is preferably used for the inspection of laminated structures consisting of metal layers bonded by fibre reinforced resin layers.