Ultrasonic Testing (UT) uses high frequency sound energy to conduct examinations and make measurements. Ultrasonic inspection can be used for flaw detection/evaluation, dimensional measurements, material characterization, and more.
Ultrasonic testing is carried out using an ultrasonic flaw detector and an ultrasonic probe. In the inspection, ultrasound is sent into the area of interest.
The ultrasound canbe reflected from an interface (ex.Discontinuity) and received by the probe. The reflected ultrasound is displayed on a cathode ray tube screen in the flaw detector and the signal can be analyzed.
This method of inspection is normally carried out on butt welds and is usually limited to section thickness of 8mm and above. It is technically difficult to perform the inspection on thin materials(Less than 12mm) using conventional ultrasonic equipment.
This method is good for detecting internal discontinuities. Surface or near surface discontinuities may not be easily detected.