2.1.

1 frequency
Numbcr of cycles per unit of time:
I lltIcyclcpcrsccond.
I ku 1000 cycles per second,
1 MHZ = 1 000 000 cycles per second.
2.1.2 cut-off frcq ucocy: frequencs limit Frequency at which the amplitude of transmitted energy is 3 dli below that at
peak ftcqucncy.
See figure 1
2.13 nominiil frequeiicy
Frequency of the probc as stated by the
manufacturer.
2.1.4 test frequencs
Ff1 cctl.c ultrasonic wase frequency of a system used to test a material ci component.
2.1$ frequency spectrum
Disinbuhon of amplitude in relation to
frequency.
See figure 1

2.1.6 centre frequency

Arithmetic mean of upper and lower cut-off frequency.
See figure I
2.1.7 peak frequency
Frequency at which the maximum amplitude is observed.
See figure I
2.1.8 hanthidth
Width of the frequency spectrum between the high and low cut-off frequency.
See figure 1
2.2 Wave and pulse
2.2.1 wave
Energy transmission through an elastic medium by means of vibration.
2.2.2 wavefront
Continuos surface joining all points a wave that have the same phase.
2.2.3 wavelength ()
Distance travelled by a wave during a complete cycle.
See figure 2
2.2.4 amplitude
Maximum value of the motion or pressure of a sound wave.
2.2.5 phase
Momentary condition of a vibration expressed as an arc measurement or an angle.

2.2.6 wise train

Succession o1a determined number of ultraonic waves, arising from the same source and having the same
character, propagating along the sime path.
2.2.7 COfltiflUHLI% .asc
Uninterrupted wave with constant amplitude and frequency.
2.2.8 stationary wise: standing wise
Interaction of opposing wave trains charactcriied by stationary nodes and anirnodes.
2.2.9 puke
Electrical or ultrasonic signal of short duration.
2.2.10 pulse amplitude
Maximum amplitude of a pulse.
2.2.11 puke energy
Total energy within a pulse.
2.2.12 pulse shape
Form of a pulse diagram in the time and
amplitude coordinates.
2.2.13 pulse envelope
Contour of a pulse in terms of amplitude and time

2214 pulse length

Time uuerval between the leading and trailing edges of a pulse measured at a defined level below the peak amplitude.
2.2.15 pulse repetition frequency (pr rate
Number of pulses senerated pet unit of time, (Hz
01 kit).
2.3 Types of waves
2.3.1 longitudinal wave; coinpressional wave Wave in which the particle motion is in the same duection as the propagation of the wave,
See figure 2
2.3.2 plate wave; Lamb wave
Type of wave winch propagates within the whole thickness of a thin plate and which can only be generated at particular values of angle of
incidence. equency and plate thickness
2.3.3 Rayleigh waveL surface wave
Surface wave svhich is characterized by the elliptical motion of the patticles in the nsaserial on which it propagates. and with an effective penetration of
less than a wavelength.
2.3.4 transverse wave; shear wave
Wave in which the particle motion at each point in a nsateria is at right angles to the direction of the propagation of the wave.
See figure 2

2.3. creeping waSC

Wave g.mai.d at the fut cnncal angl, of nc2dence and prapagae.d aoug the cc a a long u&nal wave. Ii moe nfli*nc.d by thi conoot wface
condnon, m does the beam foUow i on the uxface
2.3.6 ch.dricaI was.
Wave with crhndncal wave
2.3.7 spherical wase
Wave with spheaica1 wave fron
2.3.8 plan. was.
Wave in whjich point of the sam. phase lie on pazailel plane suthces.
3 Term relating to ouud
3,1 Sound p..ration
3.1.1 ukrase.ie wa.
Any aconn.c wave having a fi.quecy higher than the ange of audibthty of the himian eaz, genaUy taker a hither than 20 kHz
3.1.2 transducer; cryflal
Active el.neni of the peob. allowing the
con aon oielecrncal eneegv no icund euergy ai lice-versa.
3.1.3 pi.zo-.Iertric transducer
Material which ,acts against a m.chical pe bs pochicmg am electric chaige on it sedace. and conversely change its shape when an
elecU2calpOtential is iniposedonit

3.1.4 X-cut crystal

Plate of piezoeleciric matesial cut in such a way that its crtaUographic axis is pespendicular to the tm1ace to which the electrodes ase attached. and gesiente
longitudinal Waves
3.1.$ V-cur crystal
Plate of piezo-electsc material cut in such a way that its crystallographic axt i peipendiculaito the swfaces to which the electrodes aie attached and Eenerates
tranveral waves.
3.1.6 focusing nansducer
Piezo-electric transducer having at least one curved surface. used for focusIng
3.1.7 eletromagnetic-acousrk transducer Transducer capable of transfonmn electhcal oscillations into sound energy or vice versa resu1tm from the
ma!netoincbctve effect (Loieutz-effect)
3.1.8 inagnetosrricrive transducer
Tiatuducer made from a material which defonrn when placed in a magnetic field, and which thereby beconses capable of uansfomiing electrical
oscillations into sound er.ezzy or vice versa.