Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive method for detecting internal defects, inclusions, and irregularities in materials. It uses sound waves with frequencies above the human hearing range to inspect the interior of components without causing damage.
In ultrasonic testing, short high-frequency acoustic pulses are coupled into the material. These ultrasonic waves propagate through the component and are reflected at boundaries or discontinuities such as cracks, inclusions, or laminations. The reflected signals are evaluated to determine the position and size of any defects, as well as to measure material thickness.
Ultrasonic waves are typically generated by piezoelectric transducers, which convert electrical signals into mechanical vibrations. Alternatively, EMAT transducers generate ultrasonic waves electromagnetically – without requiring a coupling medium. Depending on the application, different testing methods such as the impulse-echo technique or through-transmission are used. Ultrasonic testing combines high penetration depth, precision, and flexibility, making it one of the most widely used and reliable non-destructive testing methods worldwide.