Scanning apparatus and method for non-destructive materials evaluation and mapping through use of acoustic waves

Apparatus for transporting acoustical testing mechanisms across the surface of a solid specimen for analyzing the quality of the interior of that specimen by acoustic waves traveling within said specimen and reflecting from surface boundaries within the specimen comprising

• an assembly for acoustically communicating with the specimen including roller means for rolling on the external surface of the specimen and an acoustically communicating element retained within said roller means,
• a frame,
• means attached to said frame for allowing movement in a direction of said frame over the surface of the specimen with a relatively constant spacing therefrom, and
• means attaching said assembly to said frame for engaging the specimen surface as said frame is motivated over the specimen surface for establishing acoustical communication with the interior of the specimen, said attaching means including means for permitting said assembly to move in a direction normal to the specimen surface and to move in a rotary motion relative to a line of the direction of movement of said frame over the specimen surface, said permitting means including a flat spring and a network of pivotably connected link elements arranged between said assembly and said frame with said flat spring oriented generally parallel to the specimen surface and forming a parallelogram perpendicular to the specimen surface in conjunction with said network of link elements for applying a force to said assembly for resiliently urging said assembly towards the specimen surface with at least two degrees of freedom relative to said frame whereby said assembly is retained in constant engagement with the specimen surface despite irregularities on the exterior of the specimen.