Synthetic data collection method for full matrix capture using an ultrasound array

A method for efficiently achieving full-matrix ultrasonic data capture comprising:

• (A) providing a two-dimensional ultrasound array apparatus, the ultrasound array apparatus comprising a probe, the probe adapted for scanning and the probe comprising scan increments and nominal scan boundaries, wherein the two-dimensional ultrasound array apparatus has two array dimensions, an array dimension m along a long axis and an array dimension n along a short axis:
• (B) moving the probe to a first location on the test piece;
• (C) firing a first element in the short axis of the two-dimensional array and receiving data at all other elements of the array;
• (D) subsequently firing at each of the remaining further elements along the short edge of array in turn, and receiving on all elements along the long edge of the array;
• (E) moving the probe over a plurality of inspection locations in a raster scan;
• (F) repeating the steps of firing at a first element in the short axis of the two-dimensional array and receiving data at all other elements of the array, and subsequently firing at each of the remaining further elements along the short edge of array in turn, and receiving on all elements along the long edge of the array at the new inspection location.