US 6,202,489 B1Granted

Ultrasonic testing method for a part of complex geometry

AssigneeSociete Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation "S.N.E.C.M.A."

InventorsLionel Beffy, Mathias Alexandre Fink, Yves Gérard Mangenet, Véronique Miette, Jean François Wu

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Abstract

An ultrasonic testing method for parts of complex geometry comprises using a multielement transducer transmitting focused ultrasonic waves into the part to be tested. The focusing of the ultrasonic waves is implemented in two different modes using multichannel control electronics. The two focusing modes are an electronic focusing mode and a time reversal focusing mode which are selected as a function of the depth of the particular test zone. The time reversal focusing mode is selected to test central zones located at the largest depths around the longitudinal axis of the part. The electronic focusing mode is selected to test intermediate zones situated at depths between the central zones and a peripheral zone of the part.

Claims9

Dependent claims

An ultrasonic testing method for a part of complex geometry which has a volume and a longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps of:

rotating the part being tested;
transmitting ultrasonic waves with a single multi-element ultrasonic transducer into zones at different depths of the part while the part is rotating;
focusing the ultrasonic waves with said ultrasonic transducer operating in two different focusing modes, namely a time reversal mode and an electronic focusing mode, wherein the focusing method for each particular zone is selected as a function of the depth of the particular zone;
selecting said time reversal focusing mode to test central zones at a core of the part around the longitudinal axis;
selecting said electronic focusing mode to test intermediate zones situated between the central zones and peripheral zones of the part;
and,
using the time reversal and electronic focusing modes in a time-interlaced, alternating manner to optimally cover the entire volume of the part being tested.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/302,374Filed 30 Apr 1999
Priority: FR 98 057767 May 1998
Granted: 20 Mar 2001
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

G01N 29/341
Generating the ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves , e.g. electronic circuits specially adapted therefor: with time characteristics
G01N 29/262
Arrangements for orientation or scanning by relative movement of the head and the sensor: by electronic orientation or focusing, e.g. with phased…
G01N 29/28
Details , e.g. general constructional or apparatus details: providing acoustic coupling , e.g. water
G01N 29/30
Details , e.g. general constructional or apparatus details: arrangements for calibrating or comparing, e.g. with standard objects