US 4,362,059 AGranted

Ultrasonic testing method and apparatus

AssigneeGeorg Fischer Aktiengesellschaft

InventorJules Zwyssig

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Abstract

An ultrasonic testing method permits investigating the nodal point in the profile of a cast wheel of a motor vehicle between clinch and wheel flange. Hollow spaces occurring in this area may be tolerated when the remaining wall thicknesses between the profile legs do not drop below a certain thickness. In order to be able to check a wheel in one single measuring process and with a simple measuring geometry, two of the three intermediate leg parts are tested by direct testing by an evaluation of the echo height in consequence of lateral contraction of ultrasonic energy or in consequence of partial reflection which allows one to make conclusions with regard to the cross section and sound spots of the material through which ultrasound was sent, while the remaining part is measured by means of a simple travel time transversely to the residual wall. An apparatus for performing this method is disclosed.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A method of testing a cast part of the type having a junction region of T- or Y-shaped cross section wherein the part can have an inclusion flaw within the junction region for determining the remaining wall thicknesses between the flaw and the respective outer surfaces, comprising the steps of

providing at least one first transducer coupled to the outer surface of the part at the top of the T or Y junction for transmitting ultrasonic energy generally in the direction of the leg of the T or Y;
transmitting pulses of energy into the part from the first transducer,
receiving energy resulting therefrom as a measure of thickness of the part between the top outer surface and the flaw;
providing at least one second transducer coupled to the top outer surface of the part for transmitting ultrasonic energy in a direction forming a predetermined acute angle relative to the direction of the first transducer;
locating the second transducer at a position spaced from the first transducer and transmitting pulses of energy into the part so that at least a portion of the energy passes between the flaw and the junction surface at the back surface of the part;
receiving energy resulting therefrom as a measure of the spacing of the limits of the flaw from the back surface;
and
comparing the energy transmissions thus determined with a standard to evaluate the remaining thicknesses.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.