Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Ultrasonic methods of NDT use beams of mechanical waves (vibrations) of short wavelength and high-frequency, transmitted from a small probe and detected by the same or other probes. Such mechanical waves can travel large distances in fine-grain metal, in the form of a divergent wave with progressive attenuation.

The frequency is in the range of 0.1 to 20 MHz and the wavelength in the range 1 to 10 mm. The velocity depends on the material and is in the range of 1000-6000 m/s.

The technique detects internal, hidden discontinuities that may be deep below the surface. Transducers and coupling wedges are available to generate waves of several types, including longitudinal, shear, and surface waves. Applications range from thickness measurements of thin steel plates to internal testing of large turbine rotors.

Most non-porous, resilient materials used for structural purposes (steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, and ceramics) can be penetrated. Even large cross-sections can be tested successfully for minute discontinuities.

Ultrasonic testing techniques are widely accepted for quality control and materials testing in many industries, including electric power generation, production of steel, aluminum, and titanium, in the fabrication of airframes, jet engine manufacture, and shipbuilding.