Ultrasonic Flaw Detection in Model Ceramic Systems

Abstract

The characterization of defects in high performance ceramics is important when the components are to be used in situations of high stress. The shape, size, and composition of these defects will determine whether or not the ceramic will fail. Defect characterization by scattered ultrasonic signal analysis assumes that information about defect material, size, and shape is contained in the scattered signals (1). However, backscattered signals must be correlated with optical observations of the scatterer which for opaque ceramics means that the samples must be carefully cut and polished to expose the defect. For this reason studies have been initiated of the ultrasonic signals reflected from defects in glass which can be nondestructively examined. The intention is to subsequently extend the work to opaque ceramics.