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Using a single transducer ultrasonic imaging method to eliminate the effect of thickness variation in the images of ceramic and composite plates

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Abstract

This article describes a single transducer ultrasonic imaging method based on ultrasonic velocity measurement that eliminates the effect of thickness variation in the images of ceramic and composite plate samples. The method is based on using a reflector located behind the sample and acquiring echoes off the sample and reflector surfaces in two scans. As a result of being thickness-independent, the method isolates ultrasonic variations due to material microstructure. Its use can result in significant cost savings because the ultrasonic image can be interpreted correctly without the need for precision thickness machining during nondestructive evaluation stages of material development. Velocity images obtained using the thickness-independent methodology are compared with apparent velocity maps and c-scan echo peak amplitude images for monolithic ceramic (silicon nitride), metal matrix composite and polymer matrix composite materials having thickness and microstructural variations. It was found that the thickness-independent ultrasonic images reveal and quantify correctly areas of global microstructural (pore and fiber volume fraction) variation due to the elimination of thickness effects. A major goal achieved in this study was to move the thickness-independent imaging technology out of the lab prototype environment and into the commercial arena so that it would be available to users worldwide.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lewis Research Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 44135, Cleveland, Ohio

    Don J. Roth

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  1. Don J. Roth
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Additional information

The method has been implemented on commercially-available ultra-sonic can systems manufactured by Sonix, Inc. via a formal technology transfer agreement between NASA and Sonix.

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Roth, D.J. Using a single transducer ultrasonic imaging method to eliminate the effect of thickness variation in the images of ceramic and composite plates. J Nondestruct Eval 16, 101–120 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02683877

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02683877

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