General Electric Company

David Charles Copley

Thomas James Batzinger

John Broddus Deaton, Jr

Robert S Gilmore

James Norman Barshinger

Patrick Joseph Howard

Richard Eugene Klaassen

Wei Li

Michael John Danyluk

Manohar Bashyam

David Paul Lappas

The present disclosure provides for the application of a two-dimensional ultrasonic phased array (), formed of a plurality of transducers () arranged in a rectilinear pattern, for material and volumetric component testing. The two-dimensional array enables electronic adjustment of the focal properties and size of the aperture in both the azimuthal and elevational directions such that uniform and/or specified sound field characteristics can be obtained at any or all locations in the component being tested.

Two dimensional phased arrays for volumetric ultrasonic inspection and methods of use

A method for locating and identifying defects in a variable geometry workpiece using first and second transceivers positioned of a preselected distance apart adjacent opposite surfaces of the workpiece and aligned to direct ultrasonic signals toward each other through the workpiece. An ultrasound signal is transmitted from each transceiver toward the workpiece. Signal reflections from each adjacent workpiece surface are detected and used to compute workpiece thickness. Signals from one transceiver are detected at the other transceiver and their intensity determined. The signal intensity is normalized in proportion to the obtained workpiece thickness to establish a signal intensity independent of workpiece thickness. In one form, at least three signal processing paths, each having a different preselected gain, provide three signals of different amplified intensities for each measurement point. The one of the signals having the greatest amplitude not exceeding an established maximum processable signal intensity is selected and the actual intensity of the signal passing through the workpiece is computed by correlating the amplitude of the selected one of the three signals with the gain of the channel from which the signal is selected. A signal intensity corresponding to the actual intensity is displayed on an intensity responsive display for each measurement point after the actual intensity is adjusted for workpiece thickness.

Pulse echo and through transmission ultra-sound

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Loveland, OH, United States of America

David Charles Copley