Piezocomposites improve ultrasonic testing
- Krautkramer Branson, Lewistown, PA (United States)
Ultrasonic testing is a nondestructive technique in which beams of high-frequency sound waves are introduced into materials for the detection of surface and subsurface flaws. Ultrasound probes--the devices that generate and receive acoustic energy--have historically been made of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and similar piezoelectric ceramics. these materials have the capability to convert an electrical signal into acoustic energy (sound waves) to be transmitted into a part. The piezoelectric ceramic then converts the returning echoes into an electrical signal, which is evaluated by an electronic instrument similar to an oscilloscope. Although conventional transducers based on piezoelectric ceramics provide adequate performance, newly undeveloped piezocomposite transducers enable ultrasonic nondestructive testing devices to detect flaws with greater sensitivity than possible before. These are mixtures of conventional piezoelectric ceramics and polymers such as epoxy, polyurethane, and silicone rubber. A typical piezocomposite consists of an array of ceramic rods in a polymer matrix. This article explains the basics of ultrasonic testing, describes the advantages of the composite detector material, and shows how it is applied to detect flaws.
- OSTI ID:
- 455217
- Journal Information:
- Advanced Materials and Processes, Vol. 151, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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