Abstract: An apparatus for making pulsed acoustic measurements to determine particle size in a sample (1) such as a colloid. The apparatus includes two electrodes (2) between which an electric voltage is applied to the sample. The voltage is applied in short pulses. The applied voltage generates an acoustic signal, such as a sound wave (5), in the sample which is detected with a transducer (3) after the wave (5) has passed through a delay element (4). The delay element (4) is used to introduce enough of a time delay between the application of the voltage pulse and sound wave (5) reaching the transducer so that the received wave's signal can be isolated from any signal generated in the transducer (3) by the applied voltage. The delay element (4) and the transducer (3) are arranged into a geometry, or, alternatively, the delay element (4) is shaped, so that any reflections of the sound wave (5) from the sidewalls of the delay element (4) are deflected away from the transducer (3).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for inspecting pipelines, in particular for detecting defects in pipelines by means of ultrasound. Towards this end, measuring sensors transmit ultrasound signals during passage through a pipeline. The signals reflected on boundary regions of a pipeline wall, e.g. surfaces or defects, are then measured and evaluated. The invention is characterized in that partial regions of the measuring sensors (virtual sensors) formed of a plurality of neighboring sensor elements irradiate ultrasound signals into the pipe wall at at least one radiation angle which is inclined with respect to the normal to the pipe wall and the signals reflected at boundary regions of the pipe wall are received by same and/or other partial regions of the respective measuring sensors, wherein defects in the pipe wall are determined by evaluation of the acoustical signals reflected by different boundary regions.

Abstract: A transducer calibration apparatus and method for transforming both previously established transducer parameters for a transducer calibrated to a first target object material and measured transducer parameters for the transducer monitoring a second different target object material into a calibration parameter and transforming the output of the transducer and thus, the use of the transducer, from the first target object material used to calibrate the transducer to the second different target object material being subsequently monitored by the transducer by linearizing the output of the transducer into gap values as a function of the calculated calibration parameter and then, generating alarms based on the linearized output of the transducer exceeding established limits and using the alarms to automatically shut down a machine being monitored by the transducer and/or automatically annunciate machine problems to personnel.

Abstract: A self-aligning turbine disc inspection apparatus (30) for positioning a non-destructive examination sensor (38) proximate the disc web surface (20) of a turbine rotor assembly (10). The apparatus supports the sensor at a proper height above a support surface (34) while simultaneously providing passive freedom of movement in X, Y and theta directions so that the sensor is free to follow the slight movements of the web surface as the rotor assembly is rotated on a test stand. The freedoms of movement are provided by a first sled (52) rolling on a base (42), by a theta alignment assembly (62) rotating on the first sled, and a second sled (54) sliding on the theta alignment assembly. A vertical drive assembly (48) attached to the second sled provides a selectable height. The sensor may be moved across the disc web surface by a motorized slide (82) attached to a head assembly (46) attached to the vertical drive assembly.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection method includes exciting a first set of transducers in an array to introduce ultrasonic energy into a component, generating a number of echo signals using a second set of transducers in the array as receive elements, and processing the echo signals. The first and second sets of transducers are exclusive of one another, and the first and second sets of transducers are interleaved.

Abstract: Averaged guided wave inspection method for a throttle cable is disclosed. Access to the engine end of the throttle cable is obtained and a transducer is applied to an end of the ribbon cable. The transducer generates an ultrasonic guided wave in the cable. The ultrasonic guided wave propagates down the entire length of the cable and reflects back from any discontinuity in the cross section of the ribbon cable. By determining the time needed for the reflected wave to travel back to the receiver, the location of any defect along the length of the cable can be determined. By moving the ribbon cable and transducer to different positions with respect to the sheath of the throttle cable, repeating the prior steps and averaging, unwanted noise caused by external influences is eliminated.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection instrument for detecting a crack and performing sizing in the depth direction of the crack. By a transmitter element array and a receiver element array included in a common sensor, focus points between focused acoustic fields are electronically scanned in a range including a location where half the sum of the transmitting angle of ultrasonic waves to an inspection-target material and the receiving angle of diffraction echoes from the inspection-target material is 30 degrees, so that a tip portion of the crack is detected from the received diffraction echoes. Thus, the detectability of the ultrasonic inspection instrument for detecting diffraction waves in a subject to be inspected and performing crack inspection is stabilized and kept high.

Abstract: A filling-level measuring device, specifically a filling-level radar system, comprises a transmitter (1), a receiver (2) for an echo of a signal emitted by the transmitter (1), and an evaluation circuit (3) for estimating the filling level. The transmitter (1) and the receiver (2) are suitable for operation with a plurality of frequencies on the part of the emitted signal and the echo.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the flow of a fluid such as water in a pipe, including a remote pressure sensor operably connected to the pipe for sensing the pressure of the fluid at the location of the pressure sensor. An acoustic transmitter is placed proximate the remote pressure sensor for transmitting the output of the sensors by an acoustic signal transmitted through the fluid in the pipe to an acoustic receiver that generates a control signal in response thereto control a pressure control valve for adjusting the pressure in the pipe in response. The system is intended for a water distribution networks that include a plurality of pipes, with a remote pressure sensor, transmitter, receiver and control device for at least some of the plurality of pipes.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves (plate waves or Lamb waves) is launched into the wall of a container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, as well as the existence of foreign objects in intimate contact with the container wall. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The guided wave ultrasonic energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency rather than an electrical spike commonly used to excite transducers in standard ultrasonic search units.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detecting apparatus includes a transmitting element for emitting an ultrasonic wave toward a surface to be probed inside a sample from a surface of the sample at a predetermined angle. The ultrasonic detecting apparatus also includes a receiving element for receiving the ultrasonic wave reflected from the surface of the sample. The transmitting element and the receiving element are separated from each other on a single pedestal and are movable on the surface of the sample in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be probed. A distance between the transmitting element and the receiving element is arbitrarily changeable.

Abstract: A method for the concurrent ultrasonic inspection of partially completed welds is disclosed and which includes providing a pair of transducers which are individually positioned on the opposite sides of a partially completed weld to be inspected; moving the transducers along the length of and laterally inwardly and outwardly relative to the partially completed weld; pulsing the respective transducers to produce an ultrasonic signal which passes through or is reflected from the partially completed weld; receiving from the respective transducers ultrasonic signals which pass through or are reflected from the partially completed welds; and analyzing the ultrasonic signal which has passed through or is reflected from the partially completed weld to determine the presence of any weld defects.

Abstract: A method for quality control testing of a laser shock peening process of a production workpiece includes (a) ultrasonically scanning at least a portion of a laser shock peened surface on the workpiece wherein a region having deep compressive residual stresses imparted by the laser shock peening process extends into the workpiece from the laser shock peened surface, (b) digitizing a signal derived from the scanning and forming a digitized image of intensity values from the scanning, (c) calculating at least one statistical function value for a plurality of points of the digitized image of the workpiece based on the intensity values, and (d) comparing the statistical function value to a pass or fail criteria for quality assurance of the laser shock peening process or accepting or rejecting the workpiece.

Abstract: The method of the invention identifies damage to an in-service conductor associated with the delivery (transmission and distribution) of electric power. Electro-magnetic acoustic energy is generated in an in-service conductor associated with the delivery of electric power. Corresponding return electro-magnetic acoustic energy is then measured. Features are then extracted from the return electro-magnetic acoustic energy to characterize damage to the in-service conductor. The features may be extracted through a variety of signal processing techniques, such as wavelet signal processing. The extracted features may be classified using a neural network, fuzzy logic, or a combination of both.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves is launched into the wall of a fluid-filled container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Part of the guide wave energy leaks into the fluid in the form of bulk waves, reflects off the inner wall on the other side and enters back to the receiving transducer trailing the direct wave. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, and fluid level. In addition, it determines whether foreign objects are inside the container. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The leakage energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency.

Abstract: Ultrasonic energy in the form of guided waves (plate waves or Lamb waves) is launched into the wall of a container. The guided wave propagates around the circumference of the container from a transmitting transducer to a receiving transducer. Analysis of the received waves determines the presence of corrosion pitting and MIC nodules on the container inner wall, as well as the existence of foreign objects in intimate contact with the container wall. The guided waves are created with wideband transducers excited at certain frequencies that depend on the material and geometry of the part being measured. The guided wave ultrasonic energy is maximized with a shaped tone burst pulse at the specified frequency rather than an electrical spike commonly used to excite transducers in standard ultrasonic search units.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test process and device intended for testing a preferably cylindrical specimen (2), such as railway wheel, which is capable of displacement along a support, such as a rail (10). The ultrasonic test device comprises at least one ultrasonic probe (14) disposed in the support (10) which emits acoustic waves in the direction of the specimen. The acoustic waves are reflected by defects in the specimen (2) and received again by a probe. The test device is designed to reliably and non-destructively test the volume and surface of the specimen (2) as it rolls over the support (10). In the process of the invention a number (m) of probes (14) are controlled so that the ultrasonic waves have a preferably horizontal polarization and are emitted into the specimen (2) at a predetermined angle (66) relative to the running surface (8) of the rail (10).

Abstract: A mud pulse telemetry adaptive noise canceler (ANC) employs a primary transducer and a reference transducer downstream from a position of the primary transducer. The primary transducer receives a primary signal based on a combination of a transmitted pulse and a reflected pulse, and the reference transducer receives a reference signal based on the transmitted pulse. The ANC linearly relates the secondary signal to the primary signal by means of a fast recursive least squares algorithm and calculates a set of weighting coefficients. The finite impulse response (FIR) filter of the ANC uses the set of weighting coefficients to adaptively noise cancel correlated portions between the primary signal and the secondary signal to produce an ANC output signal based on uncorrelated portions between the primary signal and the secondary signal.

Abstract: A method for determining crook potential of wood is described. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates (from a third party or by direct measurement) of wood and then determining crook potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining lengthwise shrinkage rates two or more measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates.

Abstract: A flaw detecting method and apparatus for continuously testing a strip that is continuously carried through a liquid includes features for reducing air bubble generation in a liquid. The apparatus includes a liquid, carrying rolls for passage of the strip through the liquid, and ultrasonic testing probes arranged in the liquid for testing the strip. A carrying roll in contact with the liquid is fully immersed. Air bubble generation is inhibited to improve the testing reliability by at least one of (a) shielding the liquid dropping from the portion of the strip leaving the liquid, (b) reducing the dropping force of the liquid onto the liquid surface by inclining the strip, (c) installing the fully immersed carrying roll at a depth of at least 5 mm in the liquid, and (d) using a carrying speed of less than about 200 m/min. Upon manufacturing steel strips, testing is carried out in the stage of hot-rolled steel sheet, or, preferably, in pickling equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for providing remote viewing and analysis of diagnostic images is provided by the present invention. Electronic diagnostic imaging equipment receives raw data from an operator, and means responsive to the raw data translates the data into scanner commands to acquire a scan. A remote terminal is adapted to receive the raw data and scan data, and to reproduce and manipulate images represented by the received data. In accordance with the present invention, these steps and functions can be rapidly achieved, so that the maximum amount of existing data required for image quality issue analysis is available.

Abstract: A plate (12) or pipe wall is inspected by coupling an ultrasonic transducer (14, 16) to its surface so as to generate a compression wave or lateral wave (26) along the surface and a shear wave or head wave (28) along the surface and a shear wave or head wave (28) at the shear-compression critical angle (.theta..sub.c) The same transducer (14, 16), or an additional transducer (15, 16) also coupled to the surface, detects a series of ultrasonic peaks corresponding to each generated ultrasonic pulse. Each such detected peak corresponds to ultrasonic energy traveling, partly as lateral waves (26, 32) on one surface or the other, and partly as head waves (28, 30) crossing a certain number of times between the surfaces. The transducers (14, 15) may be over 0.5 m apart, and substantially all the intervening parts of the plate (12) are inspected.

Abstract: A system which rapidly determines the elastic stiffness constants of materials in plate shape as well as characterize material flaws that are affecting these constants. Rapid (below a minute) nondestructive evaluation system allow for the determination of material stiffness constants, low noise data acquisition algorithm for measuring spectral data. A real time method of displaying leaky Lamb wave spectral data.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that employs ultrasonic waves to perform in-situ measurements to determine the properties of films deposited on substrates in the course of various semiconductor or processing steps. In one embodiment a single transducer excites incident acoustic waves at multiple frequencies that reflect from the films. The reflected waves are received by the same transducer. An analysis system determines the phase shift of the received reflected waves and, based on the phase shift, determines the film properties. Other embodiments employ distinct source and receiving transducers. Embodiments are also disclosed that compensate the measured phase shift for temperature variations in the substrate. In one such system, temperature compensation is performed based on the processing of phase measurements made at multiple frequencies or incidence angles or with multiple ultrasonic modes. The disclosed techniques are equally applicable to determining the degree of erosion of chamber members.

Abstract: An ultrasonic test head for ultrasonically testing flaws in a workpiece includes a common housing. An ultrasonic transducer configuration is disposed in the common housing. At least one ultrasonic transducer array is disposed in the common housing for operation in a pulse echo mode for transverse waves propagating in a workpiece. The ultrasonic transducer configuration includes at least two acoustically separate ultrasonic transducers to be operated in a transmit/receive mode for longitudinal waves propagating near a surface in the workpiece. In a method for operating the ultrasonic test head, each ultrasonic transducer array or arrays is operated in a transmit/receive mode.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively evaluating or validating a processed area of an object such as a metallic laser shock peened surface by determining Rayleigh wave angles at various positions on the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasonically scanning a surface includes a plurality of pairs of 180 degree oppositely disposed transducers mounted in a rotatable head having a central axis about which the head is rotatable. A positioning system for positioning the transducers such that all beam axes of the transducers intersect the central axis at a single point. Axes of each pair are equiangular with respect to the centerline and axes of different pairs have incident and reflective angles between beam axes and the central axis that are different from those of other pairs. Incident and reflective angles of different pairs of transducers are preferably predetermined and in close proximity to a predetermined angle over a range of angles bracketing a predetermined critical angle. A translating system is preferably included for effecting translational motion between the head and the surface such that the single point lies substantially on the surface during scanning.

Abstract: An ultrasonic angle-beam probe and a method for operating the angle-beam probe include an approach wedge to be driven into a gap. The overall height of the probe sets limits which preclude testing starting from a specific gap width. At least two approach wedges are provided in order to give the angle-beam probe a testing sensitivity that is maintained even in the case of a reduced overall height. A device is provided which can be assigned to a pulse generator, a sound evaluator or a connecting element to a sound transducer, in order to influence a sound echo time.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining flowability of a powder by sensing powder avalanching includes a sample drum having a generally cylindrical sample chamber for holding a powder sample, a support frame including a drum shaft for supporting the sample drum for rotation, a drive motor and a drive mechanism coupled between the drive motor and the drum shaft such that the drum rotates when the drive motor is energized. The apparatus further includes an avalanche sensor for sensing avalanching of the powder sample within the sample chamber as the sample drum rotates. The avalanche sensor may be implemented as a backlash sensor for sensing intermittent reverse angular displacement of the sample drum caused by avalanching of the powder sample. A torque loading sensor may also be used to sense avalanching of the powder sample. A controlled gas may be circulated through the sample chamber by a gas conditioning system. The gas in the sample chamber can be measured and/or controlled.

Abstract: The invention is a carriage type sonic or ultrasonic testing apparatus for flaw and deterioration detection testing in a structure, especially concrete. The apparatus detects both location and type of flaw in a structure. The carriage unit incorporates a rolling pond feature which includes: i) foam-covered tracks and rollers, this soft foam material in addition to its primary function prevents vibration of the transducers while traversing rough surfaces such as weathered concrete. The tracks and rollers form a water-tight seal with each other and the specimen surface; ii) an air-removal brush assembly which maintains contact with a specimen surface to facilitate transmission and reception of ultrasonic energy into and out of a test specimen; iii) an ultrasonic isolator element and optional wave absorbers; and iv) the ultrasonic transducer suspension system. A transducer water bed is continuously maintained while the system is in motion across the concrete.

Abstract: A single operation, multi-task, non-destructive testing technique of ultrasonic examination for defect detection, analysis and sizing. The technique utilizes the same angle, mode of propagation, calibration, set-up, and scanning patterns, for all materials, thickness of materials, and configuration of components for which it is applicable. The technique is used to detect, analyze and size planar flaws, such as fatigue cracks, which are connected to the surface opposite that from which the ultrasound is propagated. The technique relies on the fact that specular reflections received from flaws that have penetration into materials will return to the transducer before reflections which are associated with geometric features of the surface to which the flaw is connected. It also relies on the properties of the longitudinal mode of sound propagation at a 65-75 degree angle resulting in reduced specular reflections from opposite wall geometric reflectors such as weld roots and counterbores.

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: A system and method of the present invention measures the relative stress in the cladding of a nuclear fuel rod caused by the internal gas pressure of the rod. This is done by determining the attenuation ratio of two specific frequencies from a broadband low frequency acoustic energy spectrum. Relative pressure differentials are measurable and therefore any loss of fuel rod gas pressure is a direct indication of fuel rod cladding failure.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws using supersonic waves measures a thickness of a test object or a position of a cavity inside the test object by employing a pair of ultrasonic probes. By, changing a relative position of one ultrasonic probe to that of the other ultrasonic probe, a plurality of waveform data of ultrasonic reception signals is acquired. Each of the acquired waveform data is added together. Because a surface wave component of each waveform data has a shifted phase due to a difference in arrival times, a level of the surface wave component is offset and thus minimized through addition of the waveform data.

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: A system for ultrasound transmission in materials comprising a reference unit, an examination unit, at least a case equipped in at least the examination unit, and a signal processing unit. The reference unit consists of at least an input ultrasonic transducer T.sub.o and at least an output ultrasonic transducer R.sub.o. The examination unit consists of at least an input ultrasonic transducer T.sub.s and at least an output ultrasonic transducer R.sub.s. The case is placed between the ultrasonic transducers T.sub.s and R.sub.s. The signal processing unit is connected with output terminals of the ultrasonic transducers R.sub.o and R.sub.s. When electric signals are applied to the ultrasonic transducers T.sub.o and T.sub.s, ultrasounds are emitted in air from the ultrasonic transducers T.sub.o and T.sub.s, respectively, and then received by the ultrasonic transducers R.sub.o and R.sub.s, respectively.

Abstract: A number of fish may be counted by emitting an ultrasonic wave or an electromagnetic wave toward a predetermined area of a body of water where fish pass (e.g., a fish farming pool, a river or the like). Reflected waves are received from the fish bodies so that the reflected waves received from a cross section of the predetermined area are periodically stored. An ultrasonic wave fish shade image is produced that shows changes of fish shades. Fish are counted by performing an image processing which discriminates the ultrasonic wave fish shade image based on a predetermined fish shade decision rule. This arrangement reduces errors occuring due to muddiness and dust in the water and allows an automatic continuous fish counting ability over a long time period.

Abstract: Apparatus for acoustically analyzing a structure having distributed characteristics comprising a first acoustic waveguide for transmitting an acoustic signal through a portion of the structure, a second acoustic waveguide for receiving a reflected acoustic signature of the structure and transmitting the acoustic signature to a sensor; the sensor producing an output that corresponds to the acoustic signature. The apparatus and methods are particularly adaptable to detecting distributed structural characteristics.

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: By arranging a pair of an ultrasonic wave transmitting sensor and an ultrasonic wave receiving sensor in opposition across a crack in a reinforced concrete construction. An ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic wave transmitting sensor at a first position. A reflected wave is then received by the ultrasonic wave receiving sensor at the first position. Also, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic wave transmitting sensor at a second position. A reflected wave is then received by the ultrasonic wave receiving sensor at the second position. The received waves at two positions are provided mutual phase shift for a predetermined period and summed in reversed phase for deriving a rise time of the wave reflected from the crack.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the ultrasonic testing of a component accessible only through a gap, includes driving a carrier accommodating an ultrasonic testing head into an annular gap and bringing the ultrasonic testing head into a position of alignment with the component, for the purposes of repeated testing of components disposed in the poorly accessible gap. Subsequently, the ultrasonic testing head is driven out from the carrier approximately at right angles to the driving-in movement, and is brought into contact with the component. After completing the testing process, the ultrasonic testing head is driven once more into the carrier and brought into a position of alignment with the next component.

Abstract: The device includes a blade (1), one end of which carries a testing probe (2). The probe (2) includes a first ultrasonic transducer (23) constituting an emitter and a second ultrasonic transducer (24) constituting a receiver, which are pivotably mounted at the end of the blade (1) about two axes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the blade (1), arranged separated from one another in the transverse direction of the blade (1), so as to be placed in a narrow annular passage, in contact with a cylindrical wall to be tested, in two positions separated from one another in a circumferential direction of the annular passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting flaws using supersonic waves measures a thickness of a test object or a position of a cavity inside the test object by employing pair of ultrasonic probes. By changing a relative position of one ultrasonic probe to that of the other ultrasonic probe, a plurality of waveform data of ultrasonic reception signals is acquired. Each acquired waveform data is added per corresponding unit of time. Since a surface wave component of each waveform data has a shifted phase due to the difference in arrival time, a level of the surface wave component is offset and thus minimized through addition of the waveform data.

Abstract: Corrosion damage to the tubes of power plant boiler waterwalls is detected by a portable hand-held ultrasonic scanner probe equipped with plurality of dual element transducers having concave cylindrically curved surfaces for simultaneously examining arcuate areas of walls of several tubes as the probe is moved along the waterwall. Tube wall thickness and probe location data are processed by a computer for detection, display and recording of places where significant tube damage has occurred.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for nondestructive evaluation of butt welds. The present invention in its broadest form includes an apparatus and method for detecting flaws in butt welds in steel sheets using horizontal shear ultrasonic waves generated on the surface thereof. Observation of reflected waves having amplitude greater than a chosen value signals the presence of significant flaw. To achieve this objective, the present apparatus detects only reflected horizontal shear waves; other modes are electronically removed using bandpass filters, since they occur at different frequencies. The invention may therefore be used in the presence of surface structures such as clamps and the like, and in the presence of surface nonuniformities in the vicinity of the weld, thereby permitting on-line flaw detection steel mill environment without interfering with the line output.

Abstract: A transmitter transmits ultrasound signals towards a region to be imaged. The reflected ultrasound signals from the region are detected by a receiver. The transmitter and/or receiver is or are moved relative to the region to create Doppler phase shift. The time compression/expansion caused by the Doppler phase shift is dewarped by filtering in order to recover the amplitudes of the ultrasound signals reflected from different portions of the region for imaging.

Abstract: A three dimensional object under test is measured to obtain shape data representing a shape of the three dimensional object. The object under test is measured using, for example, an ultrasonic probe LED to obtain defect test data. A processing mechanism forms a three-dimensional graphic image of a defect zone from the defect test data and a three-dimensional graphic image of the object under test from the shape data. A display mechanism is provided for displaying the three-dimensional graphic image of the defect zone superimposed over the three-dimensional graphic image of the object under test.

Abstract: A rotor of on ultrasonic testing device for rotation-symmetrical test-pieces has drillings arranged in pairs for test head supports and test head supports arranged in these drillings. These supports are longitudinally adjustable along the axis of the drilling. The supports are sealed in the drilling and carry at least one test head. The drillings arranged in pairs are arranged in staggered array along the axis of rotation of the rotor or around the periphery of the rotor. Each pair has a rotary drive which as a shared activating system and facilitates synchronous rotation in an opposite direction of the two test head supports of the pair around the axis of the drilling.

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.