A three-dimensional ultrasonic inspection apparatus includes: a sensing device for ultrasonic inspection including an ultrasonic sensor as a transducer, in which a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators are disposed in a matrix or an array; a drive element selecting unit for selecting and driving a piezoelectric vibrator for producing an ultrasonic wave among the ultrasonic transducer; a signal detecting circuit for detecting the electric signal of the reflected echo by receiving the reflected echo from the joined area; a signal processing unit for subjecting the electric signal to signal processing and generating three-dimensional imaging data by causing the electric signals to correspond to mesh elements in a three-dimensional imaging region of the object to be inspected; and a display processing device for displaying the detection results and three-dimensional image data from the signal processing unit, while detecting the size and the position of the molten-solidified portion, and the size and the position of the weld defect of the joined area, from the intensity distribution of the three-dimensional imaging data generated by the signal processing unit.

3d ultrasonographic device

An external focused ultrasonic beam, non-destructive, open-air, inspection method of sheet metal spot and seam weldments using a probe in combination with motion measurement of the probe over the weldments during inspection without immersion of the material. Reflected ultrasonic waves are received and signals produced and processed or displayed as A-scan, B-scan and C-scan images that are easily recognized. An A-Scan is based on the time-of-flight difference between the outer surface, the weldment and inner and opposite surfaces of the component. B-scan and C-scan indicate the degree of weld fusion and provide data relative to fused thickness and defects sheet metal or welds. A special purpose scanner that enables ultrasonic examination welds. Scanner is pencil like ultrasonic probe with bearing face and position sensing device disposed adjacent a weld position. Scanner collects data for method to determine various characteristics of welded items.

Methods for ultrasonic inspection of spot and seam resistance welds in metallic sheets and a spot weld examination probe system (SWEPS)

A method (200) of inspecting an aircraft structure, the method comprising: disposing (204) a two-dimensional array (12) of ultrasonic pulse-echo sensors (18) onto a surface (70) of an aircraft structure; sending (206, 208) from each particular sensor (18) an ultrasonic pulse into the surface (70); receiving (210) by each particular sensor (18) an ultrasonic echo signal resulting from the sending of the ultrasonic pulse by the particular sensor (18); graphically displaying (220) an image of damage (120, 124) within the aircraft structure, the image defined by a two-dimensional matrix of pixels each of which corresponds to a particular one of the sensors (18); determining (222) whether the damage satisfies a predetermined criterion, and selecting (222) a mode of returning the aircraft structure to flying service based on the determination of whether the damage satisfies a predetermined criterion.

Ultrasonic inspection and repair mode selection

A method and apparatus are provided to identify unacceptable levels of porosity, microcracking or defects attributable to thermal damage. Ultrasonic signals are introduced into the workpiece, such as by means of an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic signals propagate along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece. Backscattered signals are received, such as by an ultrasonic receiver, from the workpiece. A measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval is then determined, such as integration performed by a processing element. An anomalous response may then be detected based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals. This anomalous response may be representative of at least a predefined amount of porosity, microcracking or thermal damage.

Method and apparatus for inspecting a workpiece with angularly offset ultrasonic signals

An ultrasonic probe deployment device in which an ultrasound-transmitting liquid forms the portion of the ultrasonic wave path in contact with the surface being inspected (i.e., the inspection surface). A seal constrains flow of the liquid, for example preventing the liquid from surging out and flooding the inspection surface. The seal is not rigid and conforms to variations in the shape and unevenness of the inspection surface, thus forming a seal (although possibly a leaky seal) around the liquid. The probe preferably is held in place to produce optimum ultrasonic focus on the area of interest. Use of encoders can facilitate the production of C-scan area maps of the material being inspected.

Ultrasonic probe deployment device for increased wave transmission and rapid area scan inspections

An ultrasonic image process and system for accurately evaluating the quality of a weld using ultrasonic responses and operator entered data to enhance the quality of weld inspection. Ultrasonic responses useful in accurately indicating the actual location of the weldment, detecting the actual component thickness and the location and characteristic of any other relevant ultrasonic reflectors located in or near the weld heat effected zone are input to a composite image of a weldment for the purpose of enhancing the quality and the ease of detecting, evaluating and sizing of weld defects. Through the superposition of ultrasonic image data from additional complimentary sensors and operator inputs based on prior known data, useful images can be formed to improve the decision making in weldment inspection and evaluation.

Combined ultrasonic techniques for evaluations (CUTE)

Spot and seam weldments in sheet metal components are inspected by a method in which a focused ultrasonic beam is directed into the weldment from the outside surface together with measuring the motion of the ultrasonic beam over the weldment. Reflected ultrasonic waves are received and signals indicative thereof are produced and processed or displayed as image forms that are easily recognized by an operator. This data is displayed as an A-Scan where a predetermined time window is established on the display, based on the time-of-flight difference between the outer surface, the weld interface or interfaces and the inner or opposite surface of the component. Certain ultrasonic signals are indicative of the degree of complete fusion in the weld zone and provide data relative to the total fused thickness and to defects either in the sheet metal or in the weld.

Jack P. Clark

Papers

Methods for ultrasonic inspection of spot and seam resistance welds in metallic sheets and a spot weld examination probe system (SWEPS)

Combined ultrasonic techniques for evaluations (CUTE)

Methods for ultrasonic inspection of spot and seam resistance welds in metallic sheets