Method and apparatus for ultrasonic detection of near-surface discontinuities
AssigneeWestinghouse Electric Corp.
InventorsBruce J. Taszarek, Warren R. Junker
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Abstract
Near-surface discontinuities, or flaws, within a workpiece are determined by transmitting acoustic energy into the workpiece. If a discontinuity is present the acoustic energy will resonate in the section of the material between the discontinuity and the surface. Acoustic energy emerging from the section as a result of the resonating is detected and analyzed to determine this fundamental frequency, from which the half wavelength and depth of the discontinuity may be determined. The procedure is also applicable for determining the thickness of relatively thin sheets of material.
Claims9
A method of determining near-surface discontinuities in a workpiece comprising the steps of:
- (A) positioning an ultransonic projector above an area of said workpiece;
- (B) energizing said projector to project a pulse of acoustic energy toward said area;
- (C) receiving acoustic energy reflected as a result of said projection;
- (D) determining, from said received acoustic energy, the fundamental frequency of acoustic energy resonating in a section of workpiece material between a near-surface discontinuity and the surface of said workpiece;
- (E) determining from said frequency the average thickness of said section, and therefore the average depth of said discontinuity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.