scholarly journals Nondestructive Ultrasonic Inspection of Composite Materials: A Comparative Advantage of Phased Array Ultrasonic

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1628 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Taheri ◽  
Ahmed Arabi Hassen
Keyword(s):  
Composite Materials ◽  
Guided Waves ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Ultrasonic Inspection ◽  
Flaw Detection ◽  
Weight Ratio ◽  
Guided Wave ◽  
Single Element ◽  
High Attenuation ◽  
Ultrasonic Ndt

Carbon- and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP and GFRP) composite materials have been used in many industries such as aerospace and automobile because of their outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. The quality of these materials is important for safe operation. Nondestructive testing (NDT) techniques are an effective way to inspect these composites. While ultrasonic NDT has previously been used for inspection of composites, conventional ultrasonic NDT, using single element transducers, has limitations such as high attenuation and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Using phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) techniques, signals can be generated at desired distances and angles. These capabilities provide promising results for composites where the anisotropic structure makes signal evaluation challenging. Defect detection in composites based on bulk and guided waves are studied. The capability of the PAUT and its sensitivity to flaws were evaluated by comparing the signal characteristics to the conventional method. The results show that flaw sizes as small as 0.8 mm with penetration depth up to 25 mm can be detected using PAUT, and the result signals have better characteristics than the conventional ultrasonic technique. In addition, it has been shown that guided wave generated by PAUT also has outstanding capability of flaw detection in composite materials.

Phased Array Ultrasonic Technique Parametric Evaluation for Composite Materials

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Taheri ◽  
Katrina M. Ladd ◽  
Fereidoon Delfanian ◽  
Jikai Du
Keyword(s):  
Composite Materials ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Composite Plates ◽  
Single Element ◽  
Bulk Wave ◽  
Plate Wave ◽  
High Attenuation ◽  
Array Transducer ◽  
General Improvement ◽  
Aluminum Plates

A series of ultrasonic elements arranged in a phased array transducer can provide the capability to activate each element separately but in a programmed sequence. This will help the acoustic signal to be generated at desired focusing distances and anticipated angles for specific materials and structures. In case of composite material inspection, this characteristic of the phased array method can improve the undesirable effects of the high attenuation and anisotropic structure of composite materials on response signals. In this study different phased array probes and wedges which are commercially available were evaluated for their response signals’ characteristics. First, the capability and resolution of bulk wave generation were studied for each set of probe and wedge, and the response signals were compared to that of the conventional single element ultrasonic transducers for different thicknesses composite plates. Then the resolution of the response signals and their sensitivity to defect size were evaluated and compared to the single element transducers as well. Next, each phased array probe and wedge set was used to generate plate waves in aluminum plates based on plate wave propagation theory, probe and wedge physical properties and the definition of delay law. Results show a general improvement in response signals’ strength and resolution for phased array method in comparison to the single element transducers. Also some plate wave modes could be generated with optimized signal generation parameters in phased array system.

Development of Guided Wave Ultrasonic Inspection Method for Thick Composite Structures

2014 ◽  
Vol 592-594 ◽  
pp. 153-157
Author(s):  
U. Saikrishna ◽  
K. Srinivas ◽  
Y.L.V.D. Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Composite Structures ◽  
Guided Waves ◽  
Ultrasonic Inspection ◽  
Digital Signal ◽  
Guided Wave ◽  
Test Surface ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Inspection Method ◽  
High Attenuation ◽  
Labview Software

Ultrasonic Non-destructive testing is a well known technique for inspecting fiber reinforced composite structures however; its capability is severely limited by the high attenuation in thick and multi layer structures. Guided wave ultrasonic inspection has been reported to be useful tool for quantitative identification of composite structures. It takes advantage of tailoring / generating desired ultrasonic wave modes (Symmetric and anti-symmetric) for improved transmission through the composite structure. For this, guided waves have to be generated selectively by precisely placing transducer at an angle to the test surface. Automation of two axis fixture for transmission and reception of transducers have to be used for avoiding manual errors. The captured signals have to be processed in order to extract useful information from the received ultrasonic signals. The proposed project aims at developing automated guided wave inspection methods along with digital signal processing for generating dispersion curves for thick composited. Using test laminates with implanted defects, methodology for thick composite inspection with guided wave ultrasonic’s will be established. For this data will be captured and analyzed using Labview software.

scholarly journals Ultrasound Phased Array for High Acoustic Attenuation Thick Composite Materials

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jikai Du ◽  
Ali Rajhi
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Composite Materials ◽  
Composite Structures ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Fiber Direction ◽  
Single Element ◽  
Acoustic Attenuation ◽  
Ultrasound Beam ◽  
High Attenuation ◽  
Beam Focusing

Composite materials and structures are increasingly being applied in aerospace, marine, and wind power industries, as well as in commercial products. One main reason for the scientific interest in composite materials is their tailorable mechanical properties. However, because of the fiber-direction-dependent nature of its physical and mechanical properties, composite material’s property and failure behaviors are usually complex, typically involving various mechanisms depending on applications. Nondestructive testing plays a key role during composite fabrication and maintenance in service. Among the variety of nondestructive techniques available, ultrasound phased array technique has emerged as a promising new approach. Unlike a conventional ultrasound single element transducer, an ultrasound phased array sensor can control and focus acoustic energy to the desired directions and locations. This heightened flexibility and sensitivity is essential given complex shape of modern composite structures. Despite such promise, understanding and application of ultrasound phased array technique is limited due to the anisotropic nature of composite materials, as well as its high acoustic attenuation. Attenuation and velocity dispersion are the two major challenges to the ultrasound evaluation of composite structures; these two factors complicate the control of phased array ultrasound propagation both theoretically and experimentally. This is especially true for thick high attenuation carbon fiber or glass fiber composite materials that have been widely applied in aerospace and wind turbine industries. In our study, ultrasound phased array technique was applied to increase the acoustic penetration power in high acoustic attenuation composite materials. First, ultrasound phased array signal in isotropic materials was studied to calibrate the probe parameters. Then for composite materials, the dependence of ultrasound field on the number of active elements, steering angles, beam focusing laws and on the characteristics of materials was analyzed and optimized through theoretical simulations and experimental evaluations. Results showed that the steering angles and the parameters of beam focusing laws might change the ultrasound beam intensity and uniformity, which had a significant influence on the sensitivity and resolution of the technique; the anisotropic properties of composite materials could distort the ultrasound beam, which made the calibration a necessary and important procedure during practical inspections. The influence of ultrasound frequency and beam angle were also quantitatively evaluated. The proposed research has the potential to apply ultrasound phased array technique to the detection of defects in composite materials and the evaluation of composite structural health. The study of the interaction between ultrasound and composite structures will open the window for the successful application of ultrasound phased array technique.

scholarly journals Inspection of the Composite Materials

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Yaser A. Jasim ◽  
Senan Thabet ◽  
Thabit H. Thabit
Keyword(s):  
Composite Materials ◽  
Visual Inspection ◽  
Magnetic Particle ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Ultrasonic Inspection ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Main Method ◽  
Destructive Test ◽  
Eddy Current Inspection ◽  
Non Destructive

<p><em>A non-destructive test method is the main method to examine most of the materials, composite materials in particular. There are too many </em><em>Non-Destructive Test (</em><em>NDT) methods to inspect the materials such as, Visual Inspection, Liquid Penetrate Inspection, Eddy-Current Inspection, Phased Array Inspection, Magnetic Particle Inspection and Ultrasonic Inspection</em><em>.</em></p><p><em>This paper aims to creat a unified methodology for engineers depending on reaserch onion to study the inspection of the composite materials.</em></p><p><em>The researchers concluded that NDT method is the most suitable method for testing any materials and the composite materials. They also recommended to choose the most suitable NDT method as every materials and composite materials have its own properties as well as the inspection methods had its own capabilities and limitations. </em></p>

Flaw Detection in Aluminum Plate by Shear Horizontal Guided Wave Based on Magnetostriction EMAT

2014 ◽  
Vol 614 ◽  
pp. 287-290
Author(s):  
Le Chen ◽  
Yue Min Wang ◽  
Hai Quan Geng
Keyword(s):  
Guided Waves ◽  
Flaw Detection ◽  
Test Sample ◽  
Guided Wave ◽  
Sh Waves ◽  
Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers ◽  
Acoustic Transducers ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Viable Method ◽  
Shear Horizontal

Shear horizontal (SH) guided waves have been proved to be a viable method in the Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE). Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMAT) can excite SH waves easily. By bonding the Fe-Co alloy to the test sample, the SH guided waves based on magnetostriction effect can be used to detect the flaw in nonferromagnetic material. The principle of exciting and receiving SH waves is introduced, and an experiment is carried out to validate the result.

scholarly journals Numerical Investigation of Excitation of Various Lamb Waves Modes in Thin Plastic Films

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 849
Author(s):  
Rymantas Jonas Kazys ◽  
Justina Sestoke ◽  
Egidijus Zukauskas
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Investigation ◽  
Lamb Wave ◽  
Guided Waves ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Ultrasonic Transducer ◽  
Guided Wave ◽  
Ultrasonic Guided Waves ◽  
Plastic Films ◽  
Thin Plastic ◽  
Wave Modes

Ultrasonic-guided waves are widely used for the non-destructive testing and material characterization of plates and thin films. In the case of thin plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC), films up to 3.2 MHz with only two Lamb wave modes, antisymmetrical A0 and symmetrical S0, may propagate. At frequencies lower that 240 kHz, the velocity of the A0 mode becomes slower than the ultrasonic velocity in air which makes excitation and reception of such mode complicated. For excitation of both modes, we propose instead a single air-coupled ultrasonic transducer to use linear air-coupled arrays, which can be electronically readjusted to optimally excite and receive the A0 and S0 guided wave modes. The objective of this article was the numerical investigation of feasibility to excite different types of ultrasonic-guided waves, such as S0 and A0 modes in thin plastic films with the same electronically readjusted linear phased array. Three-dimensional and two-dimensional simulations of A0 and S0 Lamb wave modes using a single ultrasonic transducer and a linear phased array were performed. The obtained results clearly demonstrate feasibility to excite efficiently different guided wave modes in thin plastic films with readjusted phased array.

Acoustic Emission and Ultrasound Phased Array Technique for Composite Material Evaluation

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossein Taheri ◽  
Fereidoon Delfanian ◽  
Jikai Du
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Emission ◽  
Composite Materials ◽  
Composite Structures ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Failure Modes ◽  
Acoustic Energy ◽  
Single Element ◽  
Signal Velocity ◽  
Acoustic Evaluation ◽  
Conventional Ultrasound

The successful application of various acoustic evaluation techniques to composite materials and structures depends on the understanding of the acoustic wave propagation mechanisms. However, due to the anisotropic nature of composite materials, where the acoustic signal velocity and attenuation depend on its traveling direction, the correlation of the different material failure modes to the recorded acoustic signals, such as during of an acoustic emission (AE) inspection, is difficult to be defined. This issue becomes even more challenging for ultrasound phased array technique, where unlike a conventional ultrasound single element transducer, an ultrasound phased array of sensors will generate and receive acoustic energy at various desired directions and locations. Such heightened flexibility and sensitivity is essential for the complex shape of modern composite structures. In this paper, the influence of fiber orientation on AE signal was first studied. AE parameters such as counts, duration, energy, rise time and amplitude for aluminum and composite plate were analyzed in MS-Excel and results were compared to AE software. Acoustic velocities along various fiber directions were also theoretically studied and experimentally measured. Then ultrasound phased array technique and related parameters such as ultrasound beam angle and focusing, frequency and material attenuation factors were quantitatively analyzed, and the optimization and limitation of ultrasound phased array inspection procedure were summarized.

scholarly journals Ultrasonic Methods

2021 ◽  
pp. 87-131
Author(s):  
Vykintas Samaitis ◽  
Elena Jasiūnienė ◽  
Pawel Packo ◽  
Damira Smagulova
Keyword(s):  
Long Range ◽  
Guided Waves ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Ultrasonic Inspection ◽  
Guided Wave ◽  
Ultrasonic Waves ◽  
Bulk Wave ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Fibre Breakage ◽  
Ultrasonic Methods

AbstractUltrasonic inspection is a well recognized technique for non-destructive testing of aircraft components. It provides both local highly sensitive inspection in the vicinity of the sensor and long-range structural assessment by means of guided waves. In general, the properties of ultrasonic waves like velocity, attenuation and propagation characteristics such as reflection, transmission and scattering depend on composition and structural integrity of the material. Hence, ultrasonic inspection is commonly used as a primary tool for active inspection of aircraft components such as engine covers, wing skins and fuselages with the aim to detect, localise and describe delaminations, voids, fibre breakage and ply waviness. This chapter mainly focuses on long range guided wave structural health monitoring, as aircraft components require rapid evaluation of large components preferably in real time without the necessity for grouding of an aircraft. In few upcoming chapters advantages and shortcommings of bulk wave and guided wave ultrasonic inspection is presented, fundamentals of guided wave propagation and damage detection are reviewed, the reliability of guided wave SHM is discussed and some recent examples of guided wave applications to SHM of aerospace components are given.

Scanners for Ultrasonic Inspection

NDT World ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 77-80
Author(s):  
Цомук ◽  
Sergey Tsomuk ◽  
Ястребов ◽  
Viktor Yastrebov
Keyword(s):  
Base Metal ◽  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Ultrasonic Testing ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
Detection Efficiency ◽  
Ultrasonic Inspection ◽  
Flaw Detection ◽  
Piezoelectric Transducers ◽  
Large Dimension ◽  
Testing Problem

In recent years, to enhance flaw detection efficiency when using ultrasonic testing, phased array probes are increasingly used. However, in many cases this can also be achieved by using scanning devices with conventional piezoelectric transducers, which is much cheaper. The purpose of the article is to analyze the design and operation of such scanning devices. The article provides brief information about ultrasonic testing main scanning schemes, describes scanners that have been developed and widely used to perform inspection of welds, base metal of pipes, railcar axles and wheels. It is shown that, for large dimension objects, scanners allow not only a significant increase in the scanning performance but also solve the testing problem in principle, and (for example, when testing railcar axles) change (make it easier and cheaper) manufacturing process, including inspection operations and wage wheels repair. As a result of analysis, conclusions are made about the efficiency of using, in specific and important practical tasks, scanning devices for ultrasonic testing of steel products of different sizes, which certainly does not deny the application perspectiveness of using phased array probes.

Ultrasonic Guided Wave Monitoring of Railroad Tracks

2012 ◽  
Vol 83 ◽  
pp. 198-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Nucera ◽  
Robert Phillips ◽  
Francesco Lanza di Scalea
Keyword(s):  
Guided Waves ◽  
Thermal Stresses ◽  
Flaw Detection ◽  
Guided Wave ◽  
Ultrasonic Guided Waves ◽  
Rail Transportation ◽  
Railroad Tracks ◽  
Ultrasonic Guided Wave ◽  
The Us ◽  
Inspection Systems

Among structural concerns for the safety of rail transportation are internal flaws and thermal stresses, both of which can cause disruption of service and even derailments. Ultrasonic guided waves lend themselves to addressing both of these problems. This paper reports on two inspection systems for rails being developed at UCSD under the auspices of the US Federal Railroad Administration. Both systems utilize ultrasonic guided waves as the main probing mechanism, for the two different applications of flaw detection and thermal stress detection.

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