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Narrow-band hybrid pulsed laser/EMAT system for noncontact ultrasonic inspection using angled shear waves

Journal Article · · Materials Evaluation
OSTI ID:72429
;  [1]
  1. Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD (United States). Center for Nondestructive Evaluation
Angled, shear wave ultrasonic testing using piezoelectric transducers has been used in industry for years to inspect the plate welds of steel vessels. This method`s reliance on viscous surface couplants limits its reproducibility as well as its applicability for testing surfaces at elevated temperatures. In this work, a pulsed laser/meander line EMAT (electromagnetic acoustic transducer) system was demonstrated to perform testing using vertically polarized, angled, shear waves. This capability was augmented with a narrow-bandwidth laser excitation technique to increase signal-to-noise ratio. The system was tested on both aluminum and steel plates containing saw cuts to mimic cracks. Finally, a steel weld specimen with known defects was tested with good results.
OSTI ID:
72429
Journal Information:
Materials Evaluation, Journal Name: Materials Evaluation Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 53; ISSN MAEVAD; ISSN 0025-5327
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English