Method and system for ultrasonic detection of flaws in test objects

Patent · Tue Jul 04 00:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:5484409

House, L J; Mank, J F; Pettenski, T A; Williams, W J; Hayford, D T

This patent describes a method for detecting flaws in an annular test object. The method comprises: in a scanning mode, sequentially scanning the test object with a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, one at a time, the transducers being mounted in a scanning assembly that surrounds the test object; in a readout mode, electronically collecting and analyzing flaw data gathered by the ultrasonic transducers, and visually displaying a pre-determined objective indicia of acceptability or rejection concerning the structural integrity of the test object; wherein, in the scanning mode, the test object has an annular cross section and the ultrasonic transducers rotate circumferentially about the exterior surface of the test object, and are coupled to the surface via a liquid couplant in which the transducers are immersed within the scanning assembly without requiring immersion of the entire test object; and wherein, in the scanning mode, each of the ultrasonic transducers is in an array of transducers that is circumferentially rotated 360{sup 0} about the exterior surface of the test object, with one transducer in a transmission active mode, and with the other transducers in a transmission inactive mode.

• Assignee: Gas Research Institute, Chicago, IL
• Patent Number(s): US 4843884
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-927511A
• OSTI ID: 5484409
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440300* -- Miscellaneous Instruments-- (-1989)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990220 -- Computers
Computerized Models
& Computer Programs-- (1987-1989)
ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS
ACOUSTIC TESTING
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
DEFECTS
IMAGE SCANNERS
MATERIALS TESTING
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
TESTING
TRANSDUCERS
ULTRASONIC TESTING