Voest-Alpine Aktiengesellschaft

Krautkraemer Gmbh

Otto Ganglbauer

Felix Wallner

Rainer Frielinghaus

Helmut Scheidl

Josef Ausserwoger

Hermann Reindl

In a method of flaw classification on and in welds of planar or arcuate plate-shaped workpieces of uniform thickness by means of ultrasonics, the expected flaw areas of the workpiece are pre-examined manually and are then examined systematically using the ultrasound echo image method in separate cross-sectional planes. A B-scan is thus generated, and changing the position of the transducer on the workpiece and/or the transmitting direction enables defects to be located by calculating the delay time of ultrasound waves in the go-and-return directions within the workpiece under consideration of possible reflections at the rear side (8) of the workpiece. For defining the test conditions, part-specific parameters are considered, such as weld type and weld shape (e.g., double-V-weld and bell seam), weld geometry (e.g. seam angle), and part characteristics (e.g. wall thickness), whereupon with the aid of a computer into which the parameters have been inputted, a graphic representation corresponding to a B-scan is generated. In the graphic representation at least one area, in which the density of obtained reflection points per unit of area exceeds a predetermined value, is surrounded by a closed curve of second order, generally an ellipse, and the angular direction of a privileged axis, particularly the major axis of the ellipse, in relation to a reference system, the axis ratio and/or the center location are calculated. Reflection points, located opposite from each other, of a defect are detected, and the ratio between length and thickness of the defect or the orientation tendency, respectively, is calculated, whereupon at least by logically linking orientation tendency and path difference a discrimination between volumetric-type defects, planar defects and a combination of such defects is brought about.

Method for classification of point and elongated single defects in

Welded joints of austenitic steels are tested by ultrasonic sound caused to be incident on the joint at an oblique angle thereto. Information regarding the size and nature of reflectors in the joint can be derived from the amplitude of the echoes generated at the reflectors in response to the sound beam. To ensure a definite relationship between the amplitude of the echoes and the nature and size of the reflector, the frequency of the sound use for testing is below and upper frequency limit at which the wavelength of sound in the base material equals the largest peak-to-valley distance of the base metal weld interface in any of the consecutive areas of the interface on which the sound beam is incident at any time.

Ultrasonic method of testing welded joints

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Linz, Austria

Otto Ganglbauer