Michael Michlovsky

What is Non-
Destructive Testing?
Well it really is just that testing done with out damaging the test
specimen
NDT Methods
• Magnetic particle Inspection
• Radiography
• Manual Ultrasonics
• Manual Phased Array
Magnetic Particle Inspection
 MPI
MPI is a process of detecting surface
or sub-surface discontinuities in
ferromagnetic materials.
We do this;
• By applying a white contrast paint.
• Pass a magnetic field though the
test piece.
• Then apply a wet suspension of
black magnetic particles.
The particles will build up at the area
of leakage and form what is known as
an indication. Which can be evaluated.
 Radiography
Welds may be checked for internal
discontinuities my means of X-Ray inspection
(RT)
Electrons are released by heating a cathode.
They are then accelerated by DC current and
directed onto tungsten anode which releases
the x rays.
The x-rays then pass though the test piece on to
an x-ray film that displays the results.
The Radiograph becomes a permanent record of
a weld used for quality inspection.
 Manual Ultrasonic Testing (pulse Echo Technique)

MUT uses ultrasound to thickness

measure or detect discontinuities.
A pulse of ultrasound is sent, travels
though the material being tested and
an echo is listened for.

To thickness check or to defect

laminations we do this with a 0֯ probe.

A weld is tested in a similar way but

with an angle probe.
Manual Phased Array
 What is Manual Phased Array?
(MPA)
MPA works in a similar way to MUT in that it sends a pulse of ultrasound
out and listens for a return echo.
HOWEVER;
It uses a Phasing array which is a Multi-element transducer and
instrumentation to Electrically steer and/or focus ultrasound.
What does that mean?
Transmission (Tx)
• Elements are pulsed at controlled time intervals
• This Controls the beam direction and focusing
• The delays are known as Tx Focal Laws

Wave front formed by constructive

Beam Steering interference between wavelets

Beam Focusing
How does it work ? (cont’d)

• Reception (Rx)
• RF waveforms received by each element are delayed, then averaged
• Delays used to align the signals = Rx Focal Laws

Ultrasound reflects from defect

– Elements receive ultrasound at different times due to the different beam paths
– Signals then aligned by electronic circuitry
How does it work ? (cont’d)

Single point of focus

What if the defect lies beyond the focus point ?

Summary

 Transmitted (TX) ultrasonic beams can be electronically steered and focused

 Received (RX) ultrasound can also be steered and focused

 Focussing over an extended range, not only at a single point = Dynamic

Depth Focusing
Sectorial scan
Multiple Focal Laws

•Beam is swept through many angles

•Wide coverage of the specimen

Side Drilled Holes

Backwall
Electronic / Linear scanning
•Each PRF cycle
•Aperture moves through the length of the array
•No raster movement required
•Full volumetric coverage achieved

Each PRF cycle

Aperture moves through the length of array
No raster movement required
Full volumetric weld coverage achieved
Linear scanning
Physical scan movement in one axis only
Full axial weld coverage achieved
Industrial Applications
Corrosion mapping - Aircraft Lap Joins

•Probe with flexible membrane

– rides over rivets
– detects corrosion under lap joints
Corrosion detection – inaccessible areas
Inspect area under reinforcement plate

Defect Geometry Reflections

Composite testing – Aircraft structure
Composite Honeycomb Disbond Disbond
Structure Core
Pipeline inspection – Zone Discrimination (AUT)

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

 Weld zoned - inspect with focused waves from both sides. (Up/Down
stream)
 Fast, reliable weld inspection (ASME/ASTM/API compliant)
 Mechanics simpler & more reliable
– Conventional UT = 1 probe per zone
– Phased Array = 1 probe covers all zones
Pipeline inspection (Cont’d)

Recording Threshold

Shaded area
shows TOF

Colours indicate
Above / Below
Acceptance thresholds

Amplitude Data

Data from Data from Threshold

Up-stream Chanels Down-stream channels breaking defects.
Pipeline inspection (Cont’d)

Automated scanner incorporates

TD Handy-ScanRX

TD Focus-Scan mounted
In vehicle
Complex geometries - Turbine blade root
Advantages

• One transducer covers many angles (improved coverage)

• Increased inspection speed
• Can produce Compression or Shear waves
• Greater resolution (improved flaw sizing)
• Much improved signal to noise ratio
• Increased penetration & sensitivity
• Improved POD
• Focus control (point & ddf)
• Improved visual representation (imaging)
Challenges

• Array footprint can be large

• Probe cable, very delicate

• Application / equipment set-up can be complex

• Trained / experienced personnel

• Applied application information

The Future of Phased Array Inspection

• Cheaper, faster, smaller instrumentation

• More qualified/experienced personnel

• Improvement of Codes & Standards

• Wider application of phased array UT

• Tools for application simulation