Noncontact ultrasonic sensing of weld pools for automated welding
Contacting ultrasonic techniques can determine the geometry of the molten/solid interface and detect conditions which could lead to defect formation. However, the couplant required is a potential source of contamination in the weld and may be difficult to use under industrial conditions. Stress waves can also be generated and detected using noncontacting techniques. Ultrasonic stress waves are generated by focusing a beam from a pulsed laser on a stationary weld pool formed on the surface of a steel plate or on a weld pool in a fillet weld. The transmitted ultrasound is detected by an electromagnetic-acoustic transducer (EMAT). The signal received by the EMAT provides information about the properties of the pool, including the geometry and defect generating conditions. This information can be input to an intelligent controller. The ultrasonic system described in this paper is being developed as a portion of the sensing and control system for a completely automated welder. 11 refs., 5 figs.
- Research Organization:
- EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-76ID01570
- OSTI ID:
- 6548383
- Report Number(s):
- EGG-M-88049; CONF-881081-1; ON: DE89005185
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
420200* -- Engineering-- Facilities
Equipment
& Techniques
420500 -- Engineering-- Materials Testing
ACOUSTIC TESTING
AUTOMATION
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DATA
DESIGN
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FABRICATION
INFORMATION
JOINING
LASERS
MATERIALS TESTING
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
NUMERICAL DATA
TESTING
TRANSDUCERS
ULTRASONIC TESTING
WELDING