Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) for inspecting an object is provided. The EMAT includes a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field in an object and a radio frequency coil configured to induce eddy currents on a surface of the object. The EMAT further includes a laminated wear plate disposed over the magnet and the radio frequency coil and configured to shield the magnet and the radio frequency coil from damage.

Abstract: The electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) transducer disclosed herein is useful for the non-destructive analysis of objects. The transducer comprises a core having a winding and a coil disposed between the core and the object to be analyzed. One transducer can be used as a transmitter and another transducer as a receiver. Then selectively switching static magnetic field in either transmitter or receiver and processing data with and without static magnetic field allows for eliminating artifacts due to parasitic coupling between the transmitter/receiver pair. The switching of the static magnetic field can be implemented either by using electromagnet or a pair of permanent magnets where magnetization of one permanent magnet is reversed to provide cancellation of the static magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide inspection apparatus and method of being able to acquire electromagnetic wave response information of an inspection object at high speed as average information using an electromagnetic wave. An inspection apparatus using an electromagnetic wave 2 includes an electromagnetic wave generation and irradiation unit 9 which generates an electromagnetic wave and irradiates the electromagnetic wave on an inspection object 11, and an electromagnetic wave detection unit 10 having a plurality of detection units. The plurality of detection units is arranged so as to detect the electromagnetic wave which is irradiated by the electromagnetic wave generation and irradiation unit and is transmitted or reflected with interacting with different sites of the inspection object 11, and is constructed so as to detect the electromagnetic wave from the different sites in different detection time or detection frequencies respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive testing. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a non-destructive inspection system comprising a capacitive electromagnetic acoustic transducer and a control unit connected to the capacitive electromagnetic transducer.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a structure are provided. The system includes a data system that is capable of providing information indicative of at least a portion of the structure. The system also includes a flexible display that is positioned proximate to the structure and in communication with the data system. The flexible display is capable of displaying an image indicative of at least a portion of the structure based on the information provided by the data system.

Abstract: A ultrasonic testing method capable of carrying out a test of high degree of freedom where a degree of freedom of arranging a transmission element and a reception element is high and the scope of an object of testing is not likely to be limited, and a ultrasonic testing device using this. An ultrasonic wave is sent from a transmission element (20) to a test element (100) to produce a plate wave in the test element, and the plate wave propagating through the test element is received by a reception element (30) to thereby test the test element on the propagation route of the plate wave. The other probe that is the other reception element (20) or transmission element (30) is disposed between the transmission element (20) and the reception element (30). A probe holding mechanism (40) that has support legs (46) contacting the surface of the test element and keeps constant an angle of the other probe with respect to the surface of the test element is allowed to support the other probe.

Abstract: A system for stand-off, continuous, real-time, non-invasive, non-radiological, eye-safe, non-consumable characterization of an object is disclosed that comprises in combination a pulsed laser emitter for directing energy at the surface of an object, wherein the ultrasonic wave is generated within the object to be characterized, and a remote means of measuring the vibrational excitation in the object, whereby the object is remotely characterized.

Abstract: A probe system for initiating and stabilizing plasma discharge includes an inner conductor coupled to an AC voltage source. The probe system also includes an outer conductor arranged around the inner conductor and coupled at one end to the AC voltage source. The outer conductor forms a first electrode at another end thereof. The probe system further includes a second electrode separated from the first electrode by a gap for initiating a plasma discharge in the gap. An ultrasound probe system includes a carrier signal source for supplying a RF carrier signal, an acoustic modulator for supplying an envelope signal, and a mixer for mixing the RF carrier signal and the envelope signal to supply a modulated RF signal. The ultrasound probe system further includes a ground electrode and a RF plasma probe separated from the ground electrode by a gap and configured to receive the modulated RF signal and generate a plasma in the gap. The plasma generates ultrasound waves.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for material testing on a test object having at least electrically conducting and ferromagnetic material parts, the test object being provided with at least one technical surface, with at least one electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer array (EMUS) which is provided with a permanent magnet array or an electromagnet array and at least one eddy current coil arrangement. The at least one eddy current coil arrangement has at least one electrical strip conductor arrangement which is disposed at or parallel to a surface area of a rolling member which can be rolled on the technical surface of the test object, with the surface area rolling along with the rolling member during rolling.

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 electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer for coupling-media-free generation and/or reception of ultrasonic waves in the form of linearly polarized transverse waves in and from a workpiece is disclosed, having at least one unit which converts the ultrasonic waves inside the workpiece and which is provided with a coil for generating, and/or detecting a high-frequency magnetic field and premagnetizing unit for generating a quasi-static magnetic field which superimposes the high-frequency magnetic field in the workpiece The coil is disposed in a torus-shape on at least one partially toroidal or U-shaped magnetic core, having two front ends which can be turned to face the workpiece. The front ends of the magnetic core, which can be turned to face the workpiece, are connected directly or indirectly to a magnetic flux piece which has a surface facing the workpiece and connecting the front ends with each other.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (12, 24) has one or a plurality of magnets for applying a DEC magnetic field to a material (4, 25) under test, and an electrical coil (2, 23) supplied by an alternating current source for, providing an AC magnetic flux within the material under test. A wear plate (16, 26) engages with an slides along the surface of the material under test. The wear plate (16, 26) is of electrically conductive ferromagnetic material and has apertures (17, 31) therein. Thus, both the DC field and the ACT flux can penetrate the material under test and create ultrasonic vibration of that material.

Abstract: An electromagnetic ultrasonic flaw detection method is provided which ensures highly accurate inspection of an interior surface of a fin-implanted heat transfer tube for detection of corrosion and requires less time for the inspection, no contact medium such as water, and less time and less costs for a pretreatment. The electromagnetic ultrasonic flaw detection method comprises: moving an EMAT 1 in a fin-implanted heat transfer tube 2 of an air cooling heat exchanger axially of the tube; causing the EMAT 1 to generate an axially symmetric SH wave 3 by utilizing an electromagnetic force to vibrate a tube body 11 of the fin-implanted heat transfer tube 2 to cause resonance; causing the EMAT 1 to detect a resonant frequency; and if the detected resonant frequency is different from a resonant frequency observed when the tube body 11 has a normal wall thickness, judging that an interior surface of the tube body 11 has a corroded portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include probes with sensing elements and are disposed proximate the opposite surfaces of a structure, where only one of the probes need be driven. A tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. Ring magnets may be used in the driven and tracking probes to provide the magnetic coupling and align sensing elements disposed in the centers of the ring magnets. The probes include ball bearings such as ball and socket bearings for supporting the structure and maintaining the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure. A fluid, such as water or pressurized air, may be used as a couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and the structure. A water column skirt may be used to with a probe employing ball bearings for support.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe for coupling-media-free generation and reception of ultrasonic waves in the form of linearly polarized transverse waves in a workpiece (5), and from a workpiece (5), having a unit which generates the ultrasonic waves inside the workpiece (5) and which is provided with a transmission coil arrangement (7), to which a high-frequency voltage can be applied to generate a high-frequency magnetic field, and a premagnetizing unit (V) to generate a quasi-static magnetic field superimposed on the high-frequency magnetic field in the workpiece (5), and an ultrasonic waves reception unit providing a reception coil arrangement (8), with the transmission coil arrangement (7) and the reception coil arrangement (8) being disposed torus-shaped at least on one partially toroidally designed magnetic core (6), which is provided with two front ends (11) which can be turned to face the workpiece (5) and via which the high-frequency magnetic fields can be coupled into, respectively c

Abstract: Ultrasonic inspection system, method, and apparatus for subsurface ultrasonic inspection of curved objects. The inspection system includes an apparatus having a support structure for supporting a selected transducer and a selected acoustic mirror adapted for immersion in a coupling fluid. The total inspection path distance for the ultrasonic radiation includes a first portion defined by the transducer-to-mirror distance, and a second portion including the mirror-to-object distance. The first and second portions may be relatively adjusted within a constant total inspection path distance to focus the ultrasonic radiation at a desired subsurface depth. Selection of the transducer is at least partly dependent on subsurface depth of the desired inspection zone. Selection of the acoustic mirror is at least partly dependent on the selected transducer, the total inspection path distance, and curvature of the inspection object.

Abstract: This three-dimensional ultrasonographic device is a three-dimensional ultrasonographic device having a matrix sensor 9 composed of a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators which are formed independently and arranged in a matrix, and it generates 3D imaging data based on reflected echoes of an ultrasonic wave obtained from the matrix sensor 9 and processes display images into two-dimensional images. Furthermore, this three-dimensional ultrasonographic imaging device connects a plurality of imaging data that are obtained while the matrix sensor 9 is moved, according to the position of the matrix sensor 9, thereby realizing imaging of a defect 14 for quantitative and intuitive judgment and enabling automatic judgment of the inspection. In addition, in imaging, an area other than an inspection area of the inspection object is masked, which realizes improved image quality.

Abstract: A system for locating a failure event in a sample is disclosed. The system includes at least one sensor configured to detect acoustic energy corresponding to the failure event in the sample. The system also includes an infrared camera configured to detect a thermal release of energy corresponding to the failure event in the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying thermal response of a test structure. An example of the system includes a device that generates a excitation beam, a scanning device that scans the thermal excitation beam over a test structure, and a detector that detects acoustic waves produced scanning by the test structure. The system also includes a display device that generates and displays an image based on the detected acoustic waves. A second detector detects a reflection of the beam off of the test structure and the display device generates and displays an image based on the detected reflection.

Abstract: A method of forming a protection layer on a specimen for TEM inspection and a method of forming a specimen for TEM inspection are provided. The method of forming a protection layer on a specimen for TEM inspection generally comprises coating a wafer slice comprising an inspection point with a protection material and compressing the protection material to the wafer slice. The method of forming a specimen for TEM inspection generally comprises cutting a wafer slice comprising an inspection point from a wafer, forming a protection layer on the wafer slice, forming a first preliminary specimen by cutting the wafer slice, forming a second preliminary specimen by grinding the first preliminary specimen, and forming a TEM specimen by etching portions of the second preliminary specimen.

Abstract: A probe system for initiating and stabilizing plasma discharge includes an inner conductor coupled to an AC voltage source. The probe system also includes an outer conductor arranged around the inner conductor and coupled at one end to the AC voltage source. The outer conductor forms a first electrode at another end thereof. The probe system further includes a second electrode separated from the first electrode by a gap for initiating a plasma discharge in the gap. An ultrasound probe system includes a carrier signal source for supplying a RF carrier signal, an acoustic modulator for supplying an envelope signal, and a mixer for mixing the RF carrier signal and the envelope signal to supply a modulated RF signal. The ultrasound probe system further includes a ground electrode and a RF plasma probe separated from the ground electrode by a gap and configured to receive the modulated RF signal and generate a plasma in the gap. The plasma generates ultrasound waves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting a structure are provided which include probes with sensing elements and are disposed proximate opposite surfaces of a structure, where only one of the probes need be driven. A tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. Ring magnets may be used in the driven and tracking probes to provide the magnetic coupling and align sensing elements disposed in the centers of the ring magnets. The probes may include a fluid bearing, such as a water bearing or an air bearing, for supporting the structure and maintaining the desired orientation and spacing of the probes relative to the structure. The fluid of a fluid bearing may be used as a couplant between an ultrasonic transducer and a structure. A flow moderating skirt may be used to with a probe employing a fluid bearing for support.

Abstract: A method of determining damping performance of an article of manufacture includes moving an article of manufacture along a production line, directing a laser beam at a surface of the moving article and then measuring the velocity of a reflection of the beam simultaneously with measuring vibrational excitation in an environment of the production line. The method then includes calculating the damping performance of the moving article of manufacture based on the velocity and vibrational excitation measurements. The calculated damping performance may also be based on a predetermined correlation factor of damping performance of a reference article calculated based on the online system compared with damping performance of the reference article calculated in a controlled offline environment. A system for determining damping performance online is also provided.

Abstract: A vibration measuring and monitoring system (100) for an object (20) includes a laser unit (11), a laser sensor unit (12), and a processor (15). The laser unit is used for emitting a laser beam (13). The laser sensor unit is used for receiving the laser beam, and the laser sensor detects a light intensity signal of the laser beam. The processor is used for processing the light intensity signal of the laser beam. The object is partially disposed between the laser unit and the laser sensor unit. The laser beam crosses the object and is received by the laser sensor unit. The processor obtains a vibration signal by processing the light intensity signal.

Abstract: Interrogation systems for monitoring structural health conditions. An interrogation system includes at least one wave generator for generating a wave signal and optical fiber sensors applied to a structure. The interrogation system also includes at least one electronic module for generating an input sensor signal and sending the input sensor signal to the optical fiber sensors. Each optical fiber sensor impresses the wave signal onto the input sensor signal to generate an output sensor signal that is frequency shifted from the input sensor signal. The electronic module generates an information signal in response to the output sensor signal. The interrogation system also includes a signal processing unit and a relay switch array module that has relay switches. Each relay switch relays the information signal to the signal processing unit and the signal processing unit generates a digital sensor signal that is subsequently sent to a computer.

Abstract: Ultrasound for use in chemical reactions is generated by an electromagnet formed from an ultrasound transducer whose central feature is a loop of magnetostrictive material wound with coils oriented to produce an oscillating magnetostrictive force when an oscillating voltage is applied. The oscillations in the transducer loop are transmitted to an ultrasonic horn that is immersed in a reaction medium where the ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted directly to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method is provided that includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1-xN disposed axially along a pipe 14 for measuring at least one parameter of a solid particle/fluid mixture 12 flowing in the pipe 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix(?) of the particle/fluid mixture 12 in the pipe 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. The primary parameters to be measured include fluid/particle concentration, fluid/particle mixture volumetric flow, and particle size. Frequency based sound speed is determined utilizing a dispersion model to determine the parameters of interest. the calculating the at least one parameter uses an acoustic pressure to calculate.

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.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonically inspecting a generator field tooth for the detection, characterization and/or sizing of cracks thereat is disclosed. A monolithic piezoelectric transducer (MPT) productive of a test signal having a defined angle of refraction with respect to the tooth material is selected. The MPT is positioned at an outer surface of the tooth 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 MPT is activated so as to test the load surface proximate the butt joint for cracks thereat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method aligning magnetically coupled inspection probes are provided. In this regard, a tracking probe may be magnetically coupled to a driven probe and move in coordination therewith. An alignment compensator for magnetically coupled inspection probes offsets misalignments between a driven probe and a tracking probe. Misalignments between magnetically coupled probes may be caused by gravity, friction, and movement of the probes. An alignment compensator may use one or more magnets, or electromagnets, to improve the alignment of the probes. An alignment compensator may include a control system for adjusting the power to an electromagnet or repositioning a magnet to offset misalignment of probes.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer having an effective center frequency of about 42 MHz; a bandwidth of greater than 85% at 6 dB; a spherical focus of at least 0.5 inches in water; an F4 lens; a resolution sufficient to be able to detect and separate a 0.005 inch flat-bottomed hole at 0.005 inches below surface; and a beam size of approximately 0.006–0.008 inches measured off a 1½ mm ball in water at the transducer's focal point.

Abstract: An array of magnets designed of flexible components and materials can be easily shaped to fit to the contour of various curved surfaces and structures. EMATs that incorporate these magnets, in addition to being flexible, may be smaller in volume than the conventional EMAT magnets and therefore easier to apply to complex structures where access may be restricted. Also, flexible multiple-pole magnet arrays can be easily and economically fabricated in various shapes and configurations, thereby increasing versatility, utility and cost effectiveness in comparison to the rigid, conventional magnet designs.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating and measuring bending vibration in a pipe buried underground or a pipe covered by insulating materials is disclosed. There is provided an apparatus for generating and measuring bending vibration in a non-ferromagnetic pipe without physical contact, comprising: a ferromagnetic strip adhered on a surface of the pipe; a coil wound around the surface of the pipe; two magnets for generating bias magnetic field, applied to the strip and parallel to the strip; a power source for supplying an electric current to the coil; and a measuring unit for measuring variation of voltage across the coil, the variation of the voltage being generated due to a strain according to inverse magnetostrictive effect, the strain being generated due to bending vibration, the bending vibration being generated due to deformation of the strip, the deformation being induced according to magnetostrictive effect as the power source supplies the electric current to the coil.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for identifying a remote target (7; 7a) is described. The remote target (6; 6a) is illuminated with radiation (5; 5a) generated by a laser (1; 1a) and the radiation scattered by the target (6; 6a) is modulated in phase by the surface (6; 6a) vibrations of the target (7; 7a). A portion of the scattered radiation is collected by multiple optical receivers (8, 9, 10; 8a, 9a, 10a) and demodulated by a phase demodulator to generate a signal proportional to the vibrational displacement of the remote target (7; 7a). The radiation scattered by the remote target (7; 7a) will also include laser ‘speckle’, generated when radiation is scattered by a rough solid surface. This speckle can generate errors in the signal demodulated, which can in turn cause identification errors. Apparatus is disclosed where the signals generated are substantially unaffected by laser speckle, improving the accuracy of remote target identification.

Abstract: A remote mass is excited with one or more beams, and the surface vibrations of the excited mass are detected with one or more laser vibrometers. Each vibrometer generates a signal indicative of the surface vibrations which is stored, reversed in time, and applied to modulate an exciter beam that is then impinged onto the mass.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of particles, such as sand, flowing within a fluid in a conduit is disclosed. At least two optical sensors measure pressure variations propagating through the fluid. These pressure variations are caused by acoustic noise generated by typical background noises of the well production environment and from sand particles flowing within the fluid. If the acoustics are sufficiently energetic with respect to other disturbances, the signals provided by the sensors will form an acoustic ridge on a k? plot, where each data point represents the power of the acoustic wave corresponding to that particular wave number and temporal frequency. A sand metric then compares the average power of the data points forming the acoustic ridge to the average power of the data points falling outside of the acoustic ridge. The result of this comparison allows one to determine whether particles are present within the fluid.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer for exciting ultrasound in a ferromagnetic material under test (2), includes a magnetic unit (6) arranged to be moved relative to the material under test (2) to magnetize a surface layer of the material, and an electrical winding (8) supplied by an alternating current source, the magnetic unit (6) and the electric winding (8), in use, being applied in sequence to the material under test (2) whereby the electrical winding (8) is positioned adjacent the material subsequent to magnetization thereof by the magnetic unit (8), the alternating magnetic flux created by the winding (8) interacting with the remanent magnetization of the material to create ultrasonic vibration of the material.

Abstract: A remote mass is excited by a plurality of beams generated sequentially by each one of a plurality of time reversal mirrors, and the surface vibrations of the excited mass are detected by a laser vibrometer in each of the time reversal mirrors. Each vibrometer generates a signal indicative of the surface vibrations which is stored, reversed in time, and applied to modulate the exciter beam impinged onto the mass by the respective time reversal mirror.

Abstract: The invention provides an acoustic diagnosis/measurement apparatus/method using a pulse of electromagnetic force, capable of non-destructively and precisely diagnosing or measuring corrosion, adhesion, the cover depth, and/or the diameter of a reinforcing iron rod in a structure made of reinforced concrete. A coil 12 is attached to a surface of a structure 11 including a conductor 11a and a non-conductive material 11b covering the conductor 11a. A current pulse is applied to the coil 12 thereby generating a magnetic field pulse. The magnetic field pulse causes an eddy current to be induced in the conductor 11a. The conductor 11a is oscillated by interaction between the eddy current and the magnetic field pulse. As a result, an acoustic signal is generated by the conductor 11a and the acoustic signal is converted into an eclectic signal by an acoustic transducer 14 disposed to the surface of the structure 11.

Abstract: The disclosed invention mounts transmitting and receiving electrical coils within channels or chambers formed by the notched ends of magnets closest to the metallic object under test where the magnets are arranged to form substantially annular arrays of an electromagnetic acoustic transducer pair applicable in non-destructive testing. The detection, preferably by tuned coils, of one or more electromagnetically-induced resonant frequencies at shifted locations indicates the presence of one or more flaws in the metallic structure under test.

Abstract: Formed Laser Sources (FLS) using pulsed laser light for generation of ultrasonic stress waves are combined with air-coupled detection of ultrasound to provide for the hybrid non-contact, dynamic and remote ultrasonic testing of structural materials, especially railroad tracks. Using this hybrid technique, multimode and controlled frequency and wavefront surface acoustic waves, plate waves, guided waves, and bulk waves are generated to propagate on and within the rail tracks. The non-contact, remote nature of this methodology enables high-speed, fill access inspections of rail tracks. The flexibility and remote nature of this methodology makes possible the detection of critical cracks that are not easy, or impossible to detect, with current inspection techniques available to the railroad industry.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel-tank system with an ultrasonic fuel-gauging system for an aircraft. The fuel-tank system includes a fuel tank, a transducer carrier tape covered with a separation barrier, and coupled to a surface of the fuel tank, and at least one ultrasonic transducer attached to the transducer carrier tape. An ultrasonic signal from at least one ultrasonic transducer is reflected from a fuel-air surface and a reflected signal is received by at least one ultrasonic transducer to determine a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method of analysis long range guided wave data reflected from defects and geometric features such as welds in a structure. The method involves acquiring two sets of data, and time shifting one set of data relative to the other. Data points that match in time after the shifting are considered to represent defects or geometric features in the structure. The result of the method is exclusion of false signal data and automation of data analysis.

Abstract: A guided wave electromagnetic acoustic transducer for detecting defects in moving metallic products such as rods, tubes and the like and which has coils energized by pulse of a few cycles of a high frequency alternating voltage which produces an alternating field in the product, the coils being alternately wound and connected in series and measuring dynamic acoustic stress that is a function of the radial distance from the center of the product being tested and produces a reading that is different than that showing a surface defect in the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing magnetostrictive sensor techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of pipes or tubes. A magnetostrictive sensor generates guided waves in a pipe or tube, which waves travel therethrough in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe or tube. This is achieved by using a magnetized ferromagnetic strip being pressed circumferentially against the pipe or tube. For improved efficiency, the strip may be made from an iron-cobalt alloy. The guided waves are generated in the strip and coupled to the pipe or tube and propagate along the length of said pipe or tube. For detection, the guided waves in the pipe or tube are coupled to the thin ferromagnetic strip and are detected by receiving MsS coils. Reflected guided waves may represent defects in the pipe or tube.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of quantitatively checking its performance. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: an ultrasonic transmission unit; an ultrasonic reception unit; a signal processing unit for processing detection signals output from the ultrasonic reception unit to generate data; a first storage unit for storing data, which has been obtained by transmitting ultrasonic waves to a predetermined object and receiving ultrasonic echoes, as management data; a second storage unit for storing data, which has been obtained by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the predetermined object and receiving ultrasonic echoes when performance of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is checked, as check data; a comparison unit for generating comparison data on the basis of both the management data and the check data; and an image display unit for displaying an image on the basis of the comparison data.

Abstract: An internal condition of a concrete structure is objectively evaluated irrespective of surrounding noise or the shape of a hammer, by placing a vibration sensor in direct contact with a measuring surface so as to directly convert a vibration generated on the measuring surface into a corresponding voltage without the intervention of a medium such as air thereby to quantify the vibration generated on the measuring surface concerned. A structure diagnosis apparatus of the present invention includes a vibration unit for generating an elastic wave in a measuring object of a concrete structure, a vibration detector adapted to be placed in contact with a surface of the measuring object for detecting a component in a predetermined frequency range of an elastic vibration generated on the surface of the measuring object by the vibration unit; and a display device for displaying a maximum amplitude of an output signal of the vibration detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus or a method for measuring flexural waves and/or vibrations acting on ferromagnetic materials or ferromagnetic films. The present invention includes a bias magnet disposed around the ferromagnetic material so as to form a magnetic field in accordance with a stress distribution pattern occurring as the flexural wave propagates along the above said ferromagnetic material, and a measuring device for measuring the time-varying change of the magnetic induction resulting from the propagation of flexural waves on the ferromagnetic material. In addition to the above components, the bias yoke can be disposed around the ferromagnetic material to support the function of the magnet and the formation of the magnetic circuit as a measuring device for the change of the magnetic induction. In addition, a fixed electromagnet can be used as the bias magnet.

Abstract: At least one parameter of at least one fluid in a pipe is measured using a spatial array of acoustic pressure sensors placed at predetermined axial locations along the pipe 12. The pressure sensors provide acoustic pressure signals, which are provided to a signal processing system that determines the speed of sound amix of the fluid (or mixture) in the pipe 12 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. Numerous spatial array processing techniques may be employed to determine the speed of sound amix. The speed of sound amix is provided to another logic system that calculates the percent composition of the mixture, e.g., water fraction, or any other parameter of the mixture or fluid which is related to the sound speed amix. The signal processing system may also determine the Mach number Mx of the fluid. The acoustic pressure signals measured are lower frequency (and longer wavelength) signals than those used for ultrasonic flow meters, and thus are more tolerant to inhomogeneities in the flow.

Abstract: A method and system for implementing magnetostrictive sensor techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of pipeline structures. The system consists of a magnetostrictive sensor instrument unit, a data storage unit, and a plurality of magnetostrictive sensor probes are positioned on an in-line inspection vehicle. The instrumentation unit includes electronics for transmitting excitation pulses to a transmitting magnetostrictive sensor probe as well as electronics for amplifying and conditioning the signals detected by a receiving magnetostrictive sensor probe. The magnetostrictive sensor probes include both plate magnetostrictive sensors and permanent magnets which provide a DC bias magnetic field necessary for magnetostrictive sensor operation. The transmitting and receiving probes are attached to the in-line inspection vehicle by way of mechanical arms on opposing sides of the vehicle.