Evaluation of Ultrasonic Waveform for Flaw-Image Reconstruction Using EMAT Probe

Equations for reconstructing 3D images of internal flaws are presented. Waveforms were measured from a simple reference sample to derive the response function of the probe, and the response function was calculated based on those waveforms. A sample with internal flaws was prepared to evaluate the reconstructed images of internal flaws derived by EMAT using magnetostrictives. 3D-images of an internal flaw could be derived using this response function.

Quantitative Evaluation of an Internal Flaw of a Structural Component Using Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducers

Electromagnetic acoustic transducers (EMATs) can transmit and detect ultrasonic waves in a conductive specimen out of any contact with it. This process can be given theoretical modeling and formulation based on elastodynamics and electromagnetics. It suggests a possibility of quantitative nondestructive evaluation using EMATs. This research deals with a numerical method of flaw identification from a receiver signal obtained by EMATs. Experimental results of the receiver signals agree well with numerical ones, which verified the mathematical model of the inspection process. Flaw identification is formulated as a problem of parameter optimization. To avoid being trapped in a local optimum, initial parameters were successfully evaluated from the height and the time period of peaks in the receiver signals. Flaw parameters were identified from the receiver signals obtained by numerical simulations and experiments, which verified the method of flaw identification presented here.

Fracture of Elastomers by Gas Decompression

A study has been made of gas decompression failures in elastomeric seals using a fracture mechanics approach and considerations of gas permeation. An equation is proposed for the tearing energy associated with crack growth from internal gas bubbles in a finite thickness elastic media. When applied to a model experiment where an internal flaw of known size was pressurized up to failure, the equation agreed with experimental results. A series of seals were then subjected to high gas pressures (up to 69 MPa or 10,000 psi) for a range of temperatures between 20 and 230°C and the amount of crack growth was measured after decompression. The trends in crack growth were correctly accounted for when values for tearing energy and modulus were used that were appropriate for the temperature of decompression. The effect of mechanical boundary constraint was studied by varying the compression on the seal in specially designed test holders. The effect of decompression rate is also considered. The conditions under which failure will occur are created by a complex balance of the available tearing energy and the gas permeation kinetics. A fundamental problem is the unknown size of the initial flaw from which crack growth and rupture occurs. This is discussed in the light of the experimental results and it is proposed that effective surfaces of weakness form in the elastomer phase of size to provide initiation sites for crack growth.