Ultrasonic detection of weld bead geometry
The three basic components needed to truly automate a welding machine are being investigated in a joint research effort involving the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These are: sensors to detect the physical properties of the weld, a model of the welding process, and a control system that can take signals from the sensors, for use in the feedback control, to the welder. Research programs at the INEL are developing electro-optic and ultrasonic sensors to detect the physical properties of the weld and a model of the welding process to relate these properties to parameters in the control model being developed at MIT. This paper discusses the ultrasonic sensing techniques which detect weld bead geometry on root passes during the gas metal arc (GMA) welding process and the approach for acquiring and evaluating the ultrasonic signal and assessing its quality for use as an input signal to a closed loop controlled welding system.
- Research Organization:
- Idaho National Engineering Lab., Idaho Falls (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC07-76ID01570
- OSTI ID:
- 7002704
- Report Number(s):
- EGG-M-11186; CONF-860856-7; ON: DE87000441
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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