Siemens Energy, Inc.

Fbs, Inc.

Fsb Inc.

Fei Yan

Joseph L Rose

Paul John Zombo

Steven E Owens

Cody J Borigo

James F Landy

Methods and systems () based on guided wave thermography for non-destructively inspecting structural flaws that may be present in a structure (). For example, such systems and methods may provide the ability to selectively deliver sonic or ultrasonic energy to provide focusing and/or beam steering throughout the structure from a fixed transducer location (). Moreover, such systems and methods may provide the ability to selectively apply sonic or ultrasonic energy having excitation characteristics (FIGS.and) which may be uniquely tailored to enhance the thermal response (FIGS.and) of a particular flaw geometry and/or flaw location.

Guided wave thermography methods and systems for inspecting a structure

An inspection method includes driving a plurality of spaced apart transmitting transducer elements with a respective time delay and a respective frequency such that each of the transmitting transducer elements transmits an ultrasonic guided wave through a transmission medium defined by a material having at least one unknown physical property. The ultrasonic guided waves are received at a receiving transducer element disposed at a distance from the transmitting transducer elements. A respective time delay and a respective frequency for each of the transmitting transducer elements is determined that provides a maximum amplitude in a signal received at the receiving transducer element. The plurality of transmitting transducer elements are activated in accordance with the determined time delays and frequencies to transmit inspection signals through the transmission medium. A location of a defect in the material is determined based on velocities of the inspection signals received at the receiving transducer element.

Systems and methods for the inspection of structures having unknown properties

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Fei Yan