Pulse-echo ultrasonic measurements can determine the location of a discontinuity in a part or structure by accurately measuring the time required for a short ultrasonic pulse generated by a transducer to travel through a thickness of material, reflect from the back or the surface of a discontinuity, and be returned to the transducer.

 

In most applications, this time interval is a few microseconds or less. The two-way transit time measured is divided by two to account for the down-and-back travel path and multiplied by the velocity of sound in the test material. The result is expressed in the well-known relationship

 

WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE ULTRASONICS:                                       

• It is sensitive to both surface and subsurface flaws.

• The depth of penetration for flaw detection is superior.

• Only single-sided access is needed.

• It is highly accurate in determining size and shape.

• Minimal part preparation is required.

• Electronic equipment provides instantaneous results.

• Detailed images can be produced with automated systems.

• It has other uses, such as thickness measurement