Olympus-Phased Array TestingB - en PDF

Phased Array Testing
Basic Theory for

Industrial Applications
NDT Field Guides

PhasedArrayTesting
BasicTheoryfor
IndustrialApplications
Olympus NDT
NDT Field Guides

PhasedArrayTesting:BasicTheoryforIndustrialApplications
Seriescoordinator:MeindertAnderson
Technicalreviewersandadvisers:DanielKass,MichaelMolesPhD,TomNelligan
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Marketinganddistribution:OlympusNDT
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withoutnotice.
OlympusNDTpartnumber:DMTA2000301EN,rev. B
2010,2012OlympusNDT,Inc.Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublication
may be reproduced, translated or distributed without the express written
permissionofOlympusNDT,Inc.
PrintedinCanada
Secondedition,February2012
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Table of Contents
Preface ..........................................................................................1
AboutThisGuide ..................................................................1
AboutOlympus .....................................................................2
ANoteonTerminology ........................................................3
1. Introduction .......................................................................5
1.1 GeneralIntroductiontoPhasedArrayTesting .................5
1.2 WhatIsaPhasedArraySystem?.........................................7
1.3 HowDoesUltrasonicPhasingWork?.................................8
1.4 AdvantagesofPhasedArrayasComparedwith
ConventionalUT..................................................................10
2. PhasedArrayProbes ......................................................11
2.1 UltrasonicBeamCharacteristics ........................................11
2.2 FundamentalPropertiesofSoundWaves ........................14
2.3 PhasedArrayProbeCharacteristics..................................21
2.4 PhasedArrayWedges .........................................................24
2.5 PhasedPulsing .....................................................................25
2.6 BeamShapingandSteering................................................27
2.7 BeamFocusingwithPhasedArrayProbes ......................31
2.8 GratingLobesandSideLobes ...........................................33
2.9 PhasedArrayProbeSelectionSummary .........................34
3. BasicsofPhasedArrayImaging...................................37
3.1 AScanData ..........................................................................38
3.2 SingleValueBScans............................................................39
3.3 CrosssectionalBScans.......................................................40
3.4 LinearScans ..........................................................................42
3.5 CScans ..................................................................................43
3.6 SScans ...................................................................................46
3.7 CombinedImageFormats ..................................................48
3.8 ScanRateandDataAcquisition ........................................48
4. PhasedArrayInstrumentation .....................................51
4.1 ImportantSpecifications .....................................................51
4.2 CalibrationandNormalizationMethods .........................59
5. PhasedArrayTestSetupandDisplayFormat...........63
Olympus TableofContentsiii

5.1 InstrumentSetupConsiderations ..................................... 63
5.2 NormalBeamLinearScans................................................ 66
5.3 AngleBeamLinearScans................................................... 69
5.4 SScanDisplayExamples ................................................... 72
5.5 InterpretingReflectorPositioning .................................... 76
Appendix A:ConstantsandUsefulFormulaTables.........81
Appendix B:UnitConversion ...............................................87
Appendix C:SupportandTraining ......................................89
Appendix D:TypesofEquipmentAvailable......................91
D.1 EPOCH 1000SeriesAdvancedUltrasonicFlaw
DetectorswithPhasedArrayImaging............................. 92
D.2 OmniScanSeriesModularAdvancedFlawDetectors
withUT,PA,EC,andECATechnologies ........................ 93
D.3 TomoScanFOCUSLTPowerful,Flexible,andCompact
UTDataAcquisitionSystem ............................................. 94
D.4 TomoViewUTDataAcquisitionandAnalysis
Software ................................................................................ 95
PhasedArrayGlossary............................................................97
SelectedReferences ...............................................................103
Index .........................................................................................105
ivTableofContents Olympus
Preface
As industrial ultrasonic testing moved into the twentyfirst century,

probably the most important development in the field was the
increasing availability and acceptance of portable phased array
imaging instruments. Phased array testing is grounded in the same
basicwavephysicsthatsupportstheconventionalflawdetectorsand
thicknessgagesthathavebeenincommercialuseformorethanfifty
years. However, the increased capability offered by phased array
testing frequently requires a higher level of skill and understanding
on the part of inspectors using phased array testing. Thus, the
introduction of new phased array instruments calls for the
developmentofnewtrainingresourcesaswell.
Olympus is proud to introduce this new Phased Array Testing field

guide as a convenient resource for customers and anyone else
interestedinphasedarraytechnology.Itisdesignedtobeaneasyto
follow introduction to ultrasonic phased array testing, both for
newcomersandformoreexperienceduserswhowishtoreviewbasic
principles.Thisguidebeginsbyexplainingwhatphasedarraytesting
is and how it works, then outlines some considerations for selecting
probes and instruments, and concludes with further reference
informationandaPhasedArrayGlossary.
About This Guide

Thisguideisdividedintothefollowingsections:
Chapter 1, Introduction. This chapter provides a brief history of

conventional ultrasonic and phased array testing. It also lists the
advantages of phased array testing as compared with conventional
ultrasonics.
Chapter 2, Phased Array Probes. This chapter describes how

ultrasonictransducersandphasedarrayprobesareconstructed,and
explainstheircharacteristics.Inaddition,thereaderlearnsaboutfocal
lawsequencing,beamshapingandsteering,andtransducerfocusing.
Chapter 3,BasicsofPhasedArrayImaging.Thischapterexplains
the various image formats available for presenting inspection data
througheasytounderstandillustrationsfrombothconventionaland
phasedarrayinstruments,including:Ascans,Bscans,Cscans,linear
Olympus Preface1

scansandsectorialscans.
Chapter 4,PhasedArrayInstrumentation.Thischapterincludesa
briefoverviewofcommerciallyavailableinstrumentcategories.Italso
describesimportantspecificationsandfeaturestobeconsideredwhen
selectingbothconventionalandphasedarrayinstrumentation.
Chapter 5, Phased Array Test Setup and Display Format. This

chapterprovidesfurtherhelpwithinterpretingdisplaysandmaking
measurements.
Appendixes. These sections include a variety of reference

information, including useful ultrasonic formulas, material velocity
and acoustic impedance information, unit conversion, sources for
further training and reference, and the types of equipment available
thatutilizethesetechnologies.
PhasedArrayGlossary.Thisfinalsectionpresentsaconvenientlist
of definitions for terms used in conventional and phased array
ultrasonictesting.
Wehopethatthisguidewillbehelpfultoyouincarryingoutphased
arrayultrasonicinspections.Commentsandsuggestionsarewelcome,
andmaybesentto:info@olympusndt.com.
About Olympus
Olympus Corporation is an international company operating in
industrial, medical, and consumer markets, specializing in optics,
electronics, and precision engineering. Olympus instruments
contribute to the quality of products and add to the safety of
infrastructureandfacilities.
Olympus is a worldleading manufacturer of innovative

nondestructivetestingandmeasurementinstrumentsthatareusedin
industrial and research applications ranging from aerospace, power
generation, petrochemical, civil infrastructure, and automotive to
consumer products. Leadingedge testing technologies include
ultrasound, ultrasound phased array, eddy current, eddy current
array, microscopy, optical metrology, and Xray fluorescence. Its
products include flaw detectors, thickness gages, industrial NDT
systems and scanners, videoscopes, borescopes, highspeed video
cameras,microscopes,probes,andvariousaccessories.
Olympus NDT is based in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, and has

sales and service centers in all principal industrial locations
worldwide. Visit www.olympusims.com for applications and sales
assistance.
2Preface Olympus
A Note on Terminology
Because widespread use of phased array testing is relatively new in
ultrasonicNDT,someterminologyisstillevolving.Therearecasesin
which specific industries, such as nuclear power, standards
organizations, such as ASME, and manufacturers of phased array
equipment use different terms for the same activity. The main
differencesincludethemanytermsusedforSscan,andtheuseofthe
termlinearscan.ThePhasedArrayGlossarypresentedattheendof
thisguidecanbereferencedforfurtherexplanation.Theterminology
usedinthisguideisintendedtobeconsistentwiththatincorporated
in Olympus NDT phased array instruments such as the OmniScan
andEPOCH 1000.
Thetermlinearscanisusedtodescribethescanformatinwhichthe
activebeamapertureiselectronicallymovedacrossthelengthofa
lineararrayprobe,eitheratnormalincidenceorafixedangle.This
format is alternately known as an Escan in certain ASME and
IIWdocuments.
Aprobethathasbeenprogrammedtogeneratealinearscaninthe
forward direction may also be mechanically moved along the
lengthofaweldorsimilartestpiece,generatinganencodedlinear
scan.ThisformatisknownasaonelinescanorCscan.
The term Sscan is used to describe the scan format in which the
beam angle is electronically swept through a selected range. This
format is also known as a sectorial, sector, azimuthal, or
swept angle scan. Alternately, in some instruments the term
Sscan has been applied to any stacked Ascan display, including
linearscans.
TimeVaried Gain (TVG) is also known as TimeCorrected Gain
(TCG).
Activity Nuclear ASME

Mechanicalscan Onelinescan Linearscan
alongweld(encoded)
Electronicscanat Linearscan Escan
fixedangle
Sscan Sectorscan,sectorial Sscanalsosectorial
scan,orSscan scan,sectorscan,or
sweptanglescan
Cscan Onelinescan,or Cscan
multiplelinescans
Inthisguide,wewilluseSscanforsweptanglescan,linearscanfor
swept aperture scan, and Cscan or oneline scan for any encoded
scan.
Olympus Preface3

1. Introduction
1.1 General Introduction to Phased Array

Testing
Manypeoplearefamiliarwiththemedicalapplicationsofultrasonic
imaging, in which highfrequency sound waves are used to create
highly detailed crosssectional pictures of internal organs. Medical
sonograms are commonly made with specialized multielement
probes1 known as phased arrays and their accompanying hardware
and software. But the applications of ultrasonic phased array
technology are not limited to medical diagnosis. In recent years,
phased array systems have been increasing in use in industrial
settings to provide new levels of information and visualization in
common ultrasonic tests that include weld inspection, bond testing,
thicknessprofiling,andinservicecrackdetection.
During their first couple of decades, commercial ultrasonic

instruments relied entirely on single element transducers that used
one piezoelectric crystal to generate and receive sound waves, dual
element transducers that had separate transmitting and receiving
crystals, and pitchandcatch or throughtransmission systems that
used a pair of single element transducers in tandem. These
approaches are still used by the majority of current commercial
ultrasonic instruments designed for industrial flaw detection and
thickness gaging; however, instruments using phased arrays are
steadily becoming more important in the ultrasonic nondestructive
testing(NDT)field.
Theprincipleofconstructiveanddestructiveinteractionofwaveswas
demonstratedbyEnglishscientistThomasYoungin1801inanotable
experiment that utilized two point sources of light to create
interference patterns. Waves that combine in phase reinforce each
other, while waves that combine outofphase cancel each other (see
Figure11).
1. Asaglobalcompany,Olympus NDThaschosentousetheISOtermsfor
equipment;forexample,anarrayisspecificallycalledaprobeinthis
guide,notatransducer.
Olympus Introduction5

Q = Maximum pressure
Q = Minimum pressure
S 1 S 2
Figure 1-1 Two-point source interference pattern
Phase shifting, or phasing, is in turn a way of controlling these

interactions by timeshifting wavefronts that originate from two or
more sources. It can be used to bend, steer, or focus the energy of a
wavefront. In the 1960s, researchers began developing ultrasonic
phasedarraysystemsthatutilizedmultiplepointsourcetransducers
that were pulsed so as to direct sound beams by means of these
controlled interference patterns. In the early 1970s, commercial
phasedarraysystemsformedicaldiagnosticuse,firstappearedusing
steeredbeamstocreatecrosssectionalimagesofthehumanbody(see
Figure12).
Figure 1-2 Phased arrays used for medical diagnoses
Initially, the use of ultrasonic phased array systems was largely

confined to the medical field, aided by the fact that the predictable
composition and structure of the human body make instrument
designandimageinterpretationrelativelystraightforward.Industrial
applications, on the other hand, represent a much greater challenge
because of the widely varying acoustic properties of metals,
composites,ceramics,plastics,andfiberglass,aswellastheenormous
6Chapter1 Olympus
varietyofthicknessesandgeometriesencounteredacrossthescopeof
industrial testing. The first industrial phased array systems,
introduced in the 1980s, were extremely large, and required data
transfer to a computer in order to do the processing and image
presentation. These systems were most typically used for inservice
power generation inspections. In large part, this technology was
pushed heavily in the nuclear market, where critical assessment
greatly allows the use of cutting edge technology for improving
probability of detection. Other early applications involved large
forgedshaftsandlowpressureturbinecomponents.
Portable,batterypoweredphasedarrayinstrumentsforindustrialuse
appearedintheearly2000s.Analogdesignshadrequiredpowerand
space to create the multichannel configurations necessary for beam
steering.However,thetransitionintothedigitalworldandtherapid
development of inexpensive embedded microprocessors enabled
more rapid development of the next generation phased array
equipment. In addition, the availability of lowpower electronic
components, better powersaving architectures, and industrywide
use of surfacemount board designs led to miniaturization of this
advanced technology. This resulted in phased array tools, which
allowed electronic setup, data processing, display, and analysis all
within a portable device, and so the doors were opened to more
widespread use across the industrial sector. This in turn gave the
ability to specify standard phased array probes for common
applications.
1.2 What Is a Phased Array System?

Conventional ultrasonic transducers for NDT commonly consist of
either a single active element that both generates and receives high
frequencysoundwaves,ortwopairedelements,onefortransmitting
and one for receiving. Phased array probes, on the other hand,
typicallyconsistofatransducerassemblywith16toasmanyas256
small individual elements that can each be pulsed separately (see
Figure 13 and Figure 14). These can be arranged in a strip (linear
array), 2D matrix, a ring (annular array), a circular matrix (circular
array), or a more complex shape. As is the case with conventional
transducers, phased array probes can be designed for direct contact
use, as part of an angle beam assembly with a wedge, or for
immersionusewithsoundcouplingthroughawaterpath.Transducer
frequencies are most commonly in the 2 MHz to 10 MHz range. A
phased array system also includes a sophisticated computerbased
instrument that is capable of driving the multielement probe,
receivinganddigitizingthereturningechoes,andplottingthatecho
information in various standard formats. Unlike conventional flaw
detectors, phased arraysystemscansweepa soundbeamthrough a
rangeofrefractedanglesoralongalinearpath,ordynamicallyfocus
at a number of different depths, thus increasing both flexibility and
capabilityininspectionsetups.

Figure 1-3 Typical phased array probe assemblies
Individual elements
Piezocomposite
Figure 1-4 Typical multielement construction
1.3 How Does Ultrasonic Phasing Work?

In the most basic sense, a phased array system utilizes the wave
physics principle of phasing. It varies the time between a series of
outgoing ultrasonic pulses in such a way that the individual
wavefrontsgeneratedbyeachelementinthearraycombinewitheach
other. This action adds or cancels energy in predictable ways that
effectivelysteerandshapethesoundbeam.Thisisaccomplishedby
pulsingtheindividualprobeelementsatslightlydifferenttimes.
Frequently, the elements are pulsed in groups of 4 to 32 in order to

improve effective sensitivity by increasing aperture, which then
reduces unwanted beam spreading and enables sharper focusing.
Softwareknownasafocallawcalculatorestablishesspecificdelaytimes
for firing each group of elements in order to generate the desired
beam shape, taking into account probe and wedge characteristics as
wellasthegeometryandacousticalpropertiesofthetestmaterial.The
programmedpulsingsequenceselectedbytheinstrumentsoperating
softwarethenlaunchesanumberofindividualwavefrontsinthetest
material. These wavefronts, in turn, combine constructively and
destructivelyintoasingleprimarywavefrontthattravelsthroughthe
test material and reflects off cracks, discontinuities, back walls, and
other material boundaries like a conventional ultrasonic wave. The
beam can be dynamically steered through various angles, focal
distances, and focal spot sizes in such a way that a single probe
assembly is capable of examining the test material across a range of
different perspectives. This beam steering happens very quickly so
thatascanfrommultipleanglesorwithmultiplefocaldepthscanbe
8Chapter1 Olympus
performedinafractionofasecond.
Thereturningechoesarereceivedbythevariouselementsorgroups
ofelementsandtimeshiftedasnecessarytocompensateforvarying
wedge delays, and then summed. Unlike a conventional single
element transducer, which effectively merges the effects of all beam
componentsthatstrikeitsarea,aphasedarrayprobecanspatiallysort
thereturningwavefrontaccordingtothearrivaltimeandamplitude
at each element. When processed by instrument software, each
returnedfocallawrepresentsthereflectionfromaparticularangular
componentofthebeam,aparticularpointalongalinearpath,and/or
a reflection from a particular focal depth (see Figure 15 and Figure
16). The echo information can then be displayed in any of several
formats.
Delay (ns)
PA probe
Angle steering
Incident wavefront
Figure 1-5 Example of an angle beam generated by a flat probe by means of the
variable delay
Active group
16
1 128
Scanning direction
Figure 1-6 Example of focused angle beam linear scan

1.4 Advantages of Phased Array as
Compared with Conventional UT
Ultrasonic phased array systems can potentially be employed in
almost any test where conventional ultrasonic flaw detectors have
traditionally been used. Weld inspection and crack detection are the
most important applications, and these tests are done across a wide
range of industries including aerospace, power generation,
petrochemical, metal billet and tubular goods suppliers, pipeline
construction and maintenance, structural metals, and general
manufacturing. Phased arrays can also be effectively used to profile
remainingwallthicknessincorrosionsurveyapplications.
ThebenefitsofphasedarraytechnologyoverconventionalUTcome
from its ability to use multiple elements to steer, focus, and scan
beams with a single probe assembly. Beam steering, commonly
referredtoasSscanning(sectorialscanning),canbeusedformapping
components at appropriate angles. This can greatly simplify the
inspectionofcomponentswithcomplexgeometry.Thesmallfootprint
of the probe and the ability to sweep the beam without moving the
probealsoaidstheinspectionofsuchcomponentsinsituationswhere
thereislimitedaccessformechanicalscanning.Sectorialscanningis
alsotypicallyusedforweldinspection.Theabilitytotestweldswith
multipleanglesfromasingleprobegreatlyincreasestheprobability
of detection of anomalies. Electronic focusing optimizes the beam
shape and size at the expected defect location, as well as further
optimizing probability of detection. The ability to focus at multiple
depths also improves the ability for sizing critical defects for
volumetricinspections.Focusingcansignificantlyimprovesignalto
noiseratioinchallengingapplications,andelectronicscanningacross
manygroupsofelementsallowsrapidproductionofCscanimages.
The ability to simultaneously test across multiple angles and/or to
scanalargerareaofthetestpiecethroughLinearscanningincreases
inspectionspeed.Phasedarray inspection speedscanbeasmuchas
10 times faster as compared to conventional UT thus providing a
majoradvantage.
Thepotentialdisadvantagesofphasedarraysystemsareasomewhat
higher cost and a requirement for operator training. However, these
costsarefrequentlyoffsetbytheirgreaterflexibilityandareduction
inthetimeneededtoperformagiveninspection.
10Chapter1 Olympus
2. Phased Array Probes
2.1 Ultrasonic Beam Characteristics

Conventional longitudinalwave ultrasonic transducers work as a
piston source of highfrequency mechanical vibrations, or sound
waves. As voltage is applied, the piezoelectric transducer element
(often called a crystal) deforms by compressing in the direction
perpendiculartoitsface.Whenthevoltageisremoved,typicallyless
than a microsecond later, the element springs back, generating the
pulse of mechanical energy that comprises an ultrasonic wave (see
Figure21).Similarly,iftheelementiscompressedbythepressureof
an arriving ultrasonic wave, it generates a voltage across its faces.
Thusasinglepiezoelectricelementcanactasbothatransmitterand
receiverofultrasonicpulses.
+

Rest state
++++++++++++++++++
++++++++

Voltage applied
+

Voltage removed
+

Return to rest state
Figure 2-1 Principle of the piezoelectric transducer element
AlltransducersofthekindmostcommonlyusedforultrasonicNDT
Olympus PhasedArrayProbes11

havethefollowingfundamentalfunctionalproperties:
Type. The transducer is identified according to function as a contact,

delay line, angle beam, or immersion type. Inspected material
characteristics (such as surface roughness, temperature, accessibility
as well as the position of a defect within the material, and the
inspectionspeed)allinfluencetheselectionoftransducertype.
Size. The diameter or length and width of the active transducer

element,whichisnormallyhousedinasomewhatlargercase.
Frequency. The number of wave cycles completed in one second,

normally expressed in kilohertz (kHz) or megahertz (MHz). Most
industrial ultrasonic testing is done in the 500 kHz to 20 MHz
frequencyrange,somosttransducersfallwithinthatrange,although
commercial transducers are available from below 50 kHz to greater
than 200 MHz. Penetration increases with a lower frequency, while
resolutionandfocalsharpnessincreasewithahigherfrequency.
Bandwidth. The portion of the frequency response that falls within

specified amplitude limits. In this context, it should be noted that
typicalNDTtransducersdonotgeneratesoundwavesatasinglepure
frequency, but rather over a range of frequencies centered at the
nominal frequency designation. The industry standard is to specify
thisbandwidthatthe6 dB(orhalfamplitude)point.
Waveform duration. The number of wave cycles generated by the

transducereachtimeitispulsed.Anarrowbandwidthtransducerhas
morecyclesthanabroaderbandwidthtransducer.Elementdiameter,
backingmaterial,electricaltuning,andtransducerexcitationmethod
allimpactwaveformduration.
Sensitivity. The relationship between the amplitude of the excitation

pulseandthatoftheechoreceivedfromadesignatedtarget.
Beam profile. As a working approximation, the beam from a typical

unfocuseddisktransducerisoftenthoughtofasacolumnofenergy
originatingfromtheactiveelementareathatexpandsindiameterand
eventuallydissipates(seeFigure22).
Figure 2-2 Beam profile
Infact,theactualbeamprofileiscomplex,withpressuregradientsin
both the transverse and axial directions. In the beam profile
illustrationbelow(Figure23),redrepresentsareasofhighestenergy,
whilegreenandbluerepresentlowerenergy.
12Chapter2 Olympus
Figure 2-3 Areas of energy in the beam profile
The sound field of a transducer is divided into two zones: the near
fieldandthefarfield(seeFigure24).Thenearfieldistheregionclose
tothetransducerwherethesoundpressuregoesthroughaseriesof
maximumsandminimums,anditendsatthelastonaxismaximum
at distance N from the face. Near field distance N represents the
naturalfocusofthetransducer.
Figure 2-4 The sound field of a transducer
The far field is the region beyond N where the sound pressure
graduallydropstozeroasthebeamdiameterexpandsanditsenergy
dissipates. The near field distance is a function of the transducers
frequency and element size, and the sound velocity in the test
medium, and it can be calculated for the square or rectangular
elementscommonlyfoundinphasedarraytestingasfollows:
kL 2 f kL 2
N = ----------- or N = ---------
4c 4
where:
N =nearfieldlength
k =aspectratioconstant(seebelow)
L =lengthofelementoraperture
f =frequency
c =soundvelocityintestmaterial
c
=wavelength= --
f

TheaspectratioconstantisasshowninTable21.Itisbasedonthe
ratio between the short and long dimensions of the element or
aperture.
Table 2-1 Aspect ratio constant
Ratioshort/long k
1.0 1.37(squareelement)
0.9 1.25
0.8 1.15
0.7 1.09
0.6 1.04
0.5 1.01
0.4 1.00
0.3andbelow 0.99
Inthecaseofcircularelements,kisnotusedandthediameterofthe
element(D)isusedinsteadofthelengthterm:
D2 f D2
N = --------- or N = -------
4c 4
Becauseofthesoundpressurevariationswithinthenearfield,itcan
be difficult to accurately evaluate flaws using amplitude based
techniques (although thickness gaging within the near field is not a
problem).Additionally,Nrepresentsthegreatestdistanceatwhicha
transducerbeamcanbefocusedbymeansofeitheranacousticlensor
phasing techniques. Focusing is discussed further in section 2.7, on
page 31.
2.2 Fundamental Properties of Sound

Waves
Wavefrontformation.Whileasingleelementtransducercanbethought
of asa piston source, a single disk,or plate pushingforward on the
testmedium,thewaveitgeneratescanbemathematicallymodeledas
thesumofthewavesfromaverylargenumberofpointsources.This
derivesfromHuygensprinciple,firstproposedbyseventeenthcentury
DutchphysicistChristiaanHuygens,whichstatesthateachpointon
an advancing wavefront may be thought of as a point source that
launches a new spherical wave, and that the resulting unified
wavefrontisthesumofalloftheseindividualsphericalwaves.
Beam spreading. In principle, the sound wave generated by a

transducer travels in a straight line until it encounters a material
14Chapter2 Olympus
boundary. What happens then is discussed below. But if the sound

path length is longer than the nearfield distance, the beam also
increases in diameter, diverging like the beam of a spotlight (see
Figure25).
D _ BEAM AXIS
N
0 N 2N 3N 4N
Figure 2-5 Beam spread
The beam spread angle of an unfocused circular transducer beyond

thenearfieldcanbecalculatedasfollows:
D2 f D2
Near field length = --------- = -------
4c 4
D =elementdiameteroraperture
f =frequency
c =soundvelocityintestmedium
c
=wavelength= --
f
6 dBhalfbeamspreadangle()ofanunfocusedtransducer:
= sin 1 ----------------
0.514c
fD
From this equation it is seen that beam spread angle increases with
lowerfrequenciesandsmallerdiameters.Alargebeamspreadangle
cancausesoundenergyperunitareatoquicklydropwithdistance.
This effectively decreases sensitivity to small reflectors in some
applicationsinvolvinglongsoundpaths.Insuchcases,echoresponse
can be improved by using higher frequency and/or larger diameter
transducers.
In the case of rectangular elements, the beam spreading is

asymmetrical, with a larger beam spread angle across the smaller
dimension of the beam. The angle for each axis can be calculated
usingtheformulagivenbelow,usingtheappropriatelengthorwidth
forterm L:
= sin 1 ------------- = sin 1 --------------

0.44c 0.44
or
fL L

The following graphics show some generalized changes in beam
spreadingwithchangesintransducerdiameterandfrequency.Ifthe
frequency is constant, then beam spreading decreases as transducer
diameterincreases(seeFigure26andFigure27).
Velocity: 5850 m/s (0.230 in./s) Diameter: 3 mm (0.125 in.)

Frequency: 5.0 MHz
Figure 2-6 Beam spreading with a 3 mm element

Frequency: 5.0 MHz
Figure 2-7 Beam spreading with a 13 mm element
Ifthetransducerdiameterisconstant,thenbeamspreadingdecreases
asfrequencyincreases(seeFigure28andFigure29).

Frequency: 2.25 MHz
Figure 2-8 Beam spreading with a 2.25 MHz element
16Chapter2 Olympus

Frequency: 10.0 MHz
Figure 2-9 Beam spreading with a 10 MHz element
Attenuation.Asittravelsthroughamedium,theorganizedwavefront
generatedbyanultrasonictransducerbeginstobreakdownduetoan
imperfect transmission of energy through the microstructure of any
material. Organized mechanical vibrations (sound waves) turn into
randommechanicalvibrations(heat)untilthewavefrontisnolonger
detectable.Thisprocessisknownassoundattenuation.
The mathematical theory of attenuation and scattering is complex.

Thelossofamplitudeduetoattenuationacrossagivensoundpathis
the sum of absorption effects and scattering effects. Absorption
increases linearly with frequency, while scattering varies through
three zones depending on the ratio of wavelength to grain size
boundariesorotherscatterers.Inallcases,scatteringeffectsincrease
withfrequency.Foragivenmaterialatagiventemperature,testedata
givenfrequency,thereisaspecificattenuationcoefficient,commonly
expressed in Nepers per centimeter (Np/cm). Once this attenuation
coefficient is known, losses across a given sound path can be
calculatedaccordingtotheequation:
p = p 0 e ad
where:
p =soundpressureatendofpath
p0 =soundpressureatbeginningofpath
e =baseofnaturallogarithm
a =attenuationcoefficient
d =soundpathlength
As a practical matter, in ultrasonic NDT applications, attenuation

coefficients are normally measured rather than calculated. Higher
frequenciesareattenuatedmorerapidlythanlowerfrequenciesinany
medium, so low test frequencies are usually employed in materials
with high attenuation coefficients such as lowdensity plastics and
rubber.
Reflection and transmission at a perpendicular plane boundary. When a

soundwavetravelingthroughamediumencountersaboundarywith
a dissimilar medium that lies perpendicular to the direction of the
wave, a portion of the wave energy is reflected straight back and a

portioncontinuesstraightahead.Thepercentageofreflectionversus
transmissionisrelatedtotherelativeacousticimpedancesofthetwo
materials,withacousticimpedanceinturnbeingdefinedasmaterial
density multiplied by speed of sound. The reflection coefficient at a
planar boundary (the percentage of sound energy that is reflected
backtothesource)canbecalculatedasfollows:
Z2 Z1
R = -------------------
Z2 + Z1
where:
R =reflectioncoefficientinpercent
Z1 =acousticimpedanceoffirstmedium
Z2 =acousticimpedanceofsecondmedium
Fromthisequationitcanbeseenthatastheacousticimpedancesof
the two materials become more similar, the reflection coefficient
decreases, and as the acoustic impedances become less similar, the
reflection coefficient increases. In theory the reflection from the
boundary between two materials of the same acoustic impedance is
zero, while in the case of materials with very dissimilar acoustic
impedances, as in a boundary between steel and air, the reflection
coefficientapproaches100 %.
Refractionandmodeconversionatnonperpendicularboundaries.Whena
soundwavetravelingthroughamaterialencountersaboundarywith
adifferentmaterialatanangleotherthanzerodegrees,aportionof
thewaveenergyisreflectedforwardatanangleequaltotheangleof
incidence. At the same time, the portion of the wave energy that is
transmitted into the second material is refracted in accordance with
Snells Law, which was independently derived by at least two
seventeenthcentury mathematicians. Snells law relates the sines of
theincidentandrefractedangletothewavevelocityineachmaterial
asdiagramedbelow.
18Chapter2 Olympus

e
e

e

Figure 2-10 Sound wave refraction and mode conversion
sin sin sin rs

------------i = -------------rl- = --------------
-
ci c rl c rs
where:
i =incidentangleofthewedge
rl =angleoftherefractedlongitudinalwave
rs =angleoftherefractedshearwave
ci =velocityoftheincidentmaterial(longitudinal)
crl =materialsoundvelocity(longitudinal)
crs =velocityofthetestmaterial(shear)
R
L
S S
Longitudinal Shear
Surface
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80
Incident angle
1st Critical 2nd Critical
angle angle
Figure 2-11 Relative amplitude of wave modes
Ifsoundvelocityinthesecondmediumishigherthanthatinthefirst,

then above certain angles this bending is accompanied by mode
conversion, most commonly from a longitudinal wave mode to a
shear wave mode. This is the basis of widely used angle beam
inspection techniques. As the incident angle in the first (slower)
medium (such as a wedge or water) increases, the angle of the
refracted longitudinal wave in the second (faster) material such as
metalincreases.Astherefractedlongitudinalwaveangleapproaches
90 degrees, a progressively greater portion of the wave energy is
convertedtoalowervelocityshearwavethatisrefractedattheangle
predicted by Snells Law. At incident angles higher than that which
would create a 90 degree refracted longitudinal wave, the refracted
wave exists entirely in shear mode. A still higher incident angle
resultsinasituationwheretheshearwaveistheoreticallyrefractedat
90 degrees,atwhichpointasurfacewaveisgeneratedinthesecond
material. The diagrams in Figure 212, Figure 213, and Figure 214
showthiseffectforatypicalanglebeamassemblycoupledintosteel.
Figure 2-12 Incident angle: 10. Strong longitudinal wave and weak shear wave.
Figure 2-13 Incident angle: 30. Beyond the first critical angle, the longitudinal wave
no longer exists, and all refracted energy is contained in the shear wave.
20Chapter2 Olympus
Figure 2-14 Incident angle: 65. Beyond the second critical angle, the shear wave no
longer exists, and all refracted energy is contained in a surface wave.
2.3 Phased Array Probe Characteristics
Figure 2-15 Phased array probes
Anarrayisanorganizedarrangementoflargequantitiesofanobject.
ThesimplestformofanultrasonicarrayforNDTwouldbeaseriesof
several single element transducers arranged in such a way as to
increase inspection coverage and/or the speed of a particular
inspection.Examplesofthisinclude:
Tube inspection, where multiple probes are often used for crack
detection, finding laminar flaws, and overall thickness
measurement.
Forgedmetalpartsinspection,whichoftenrequiremultipleprobes
focusedatdifferentdepthstoenablethedetectionofsmalldefects
inazonalmanner.
Composite and metal inspection, where a linear arrangement of
probesalongasurfaceisrequiredtoincreasedetectionoflaminar
flawsincompositesorcorrosioninmetals.
These inspections require highspeed, multichannel ultrasonic

equipment with proper pulsers, receivers, and gate logic to process
each channel as well as careful fixturing of each transducer to
properlysetuptheinspectionzones.

Initssimplestform,onecanthinkofaphasedarrayprobeasaseries
of individual elements in one package (see Figure 216). While the
elements in reality are much smaller than conventional transducers,
theseelementscanbepulsedasagroupsoastogeneratedirectionally
controllable wavefronts. This electronic beam forming allows
multiple inspection zones to be programmed and analyzed at very
high speeds without probe movement. This is discussed in greater
detailinlaterpages.
Figure 2-16 Phased array probe
While phased array probes come in a wide range of sizes, shapes,

frequencies,andnumberofelements,whattheyallhaveincommonis
a piezoelectric element that has been divided into a number of
segments.
Contemporary phased array probes for industrial NDT applications

aretypicallyconstructedaroundpiezocompositematerials,whichare
madeupofmanytiny,thinrodsofpiezoelectricceramicembeddedin
a polymer matrix. While they can be more challenging to
manufacture, composite probes typically offer a 10 dB to 30 dB
sensitivity advantage over piezoceramic probes of otherwise similar
design.Segmentedmetalplatingisusedtodividethecompositestrip
into a number of electrically separate elements that can be pulsed
individually. This segmented element is then incorporated into a
probeassemblythatincludesaprotectivematchinglayer,abacking,
cableconnections,andahousing(seeFigure217).
Multiconductor
coaxial cable
Backing
External
housing
Inner
sleeve
Metallic
plating
Piezocomposite
Matching element
layer
Figure 2-17 Phased array probe cross-section
Phased array probes are functionally categorized according to the
22Chapter2 Olympus
followingbasicparameters:
Type.Mostphasedarrayprobesareoftheanglebeamtype,designed
for use with either a plastic wedge or a straight plastic shoe (zero
degreewedge),ordelayline.Directcontactandimmersionprobesare
alsoavailable.
Frequency.Mostultrasonicflawdetectionisdonebetween2 MHzand
10 MHz, so most phased array probes fall within that range. Lower
andhigherfrequencyprobesarealsoavailable.Aswithconventional
transducers, penetration increases with lower frequency, while
resolutionandfocalsharpnessincreasewithhigherfrequency.
Number of elements. Phased array probes most commonly have 16 to

128elements,withsomehavingasmanyas256.Alargernumberof
elements increases focusing and steering capability, which also
increases area coverage, but both probe and instrumentation costs
increase as well. Each of these elements is individually pulsed to
create the wavefront of interest. Hence the dimension across these
elementsisoftenreferredtoastheactiveorsteeringdirection.
Size of elements. As the element width gets smaller, beam steering

capabilityincreases,butlargeareacoveragerequiresmoreelementsat
ahighercost.
Thedimensionalparametersofaphasedarrayprobearecustomarily
definedasfollows:
(
L
W N
Figure 2-18 Dimensional parameters of a phased array probe
A = totalapertureinsteeringofactivedirection
H = elementheightorelevation.Sincethisdimensionisfixed,
itisoftenreferredtoasthepassiveplane.
p = pitch,orcentertocenterdistancebetweentwosuccessive
elements
e = widthofanindividualelement
g = spacingbetweenactiveelements
This information is used by instrument software to generate the

desired beam shape. If it is not entered automatically by probe
recognitionsoftware,thenitmustbeenteredbytheuserduringsetup.

2.4 Phased Array Wedges
Phased array probe assemblies usually include a plastic wedge.
Wedges are used in both shear wave and longitudinal wave
applications, including straight beam linear scans. These wedges
perform basically the same function in phased array systems as in
conventional single element flaw detection, coupling sound energy
fromtheprobetothetestpieceinsuchawaythatitmodeconverts
and/orrefractsatadesiredangleinaccordancewithSnellslaw.While
phased array systems do utilize beam steering to create beams at
multipleanglesfromasinglewedge,thisrefractioneffectisalsopart
ofthebeamgenerationprocess.Shearwavewedgeslookverysimilar
to those used with conventional transducers, and like conventional
wedgestheycomeinmanysizesandstyles.Someofthemincorporate
couplant feed holes for scanning applications. Some typical phased
arrayprobewedgesareseeninFigure219.
Figure 2-19 Phased array probe wedges
Zerodegreewedgesarebasicallyflatplasticblocksthatareusedfor
coupling sound energy and for protecting the probe face from
scratches or abrasion in straight linear scans and lowangle
longitudinalwaveangledscans(seeFigure220).
Figure 2-20 A zero-degree wedge
24Chapter2 Olympus
2.5 Phased Pulsing

Wheneverwavesoriginatingfromtwoormoresourcesinteractwith
eachother,therearephasingeffectsleadingtoanincreaseordecrease
inwaveenergyatthepointofcombination.Whenelasticwavesofthe
same frequency meet in such a way that their displacements are
precisely synchronized (in phase, or zerodegree phase angle), the
wave energies add together to create a larger amplitude wave (see
Figure221a).Iftheymeetinsuchawaythattheirdisplacementsare
exactly opposite (180 degrees out of phase), then the wave energies
cancel each other (see Figure 221c). At phase angles between
0 degrees and 180 degrees, there is a range of intermediate stages
between full addition and full cancellation (see Figure 221b). By
varyingthetimingofthewavesfromalargenumberofsources,itis
possible to use these effects to both steer and focus the resulting
combined wavefront. This is an essential principle behind phased
arraytesting.
Waves in phase Reinforcement
Intermediate condition
Waves out of phase Cancellation
Figure 2-21 Phasing effects: combination and cancellation

Inconventionaltransducers,constructiveanddestructiveinterference
effects create the nearfield and farfield zones and the various
pressure gradients therein. Additionally, a conventional angle beam
transducerusesasingleelementtolaunchawaveinawedge.Points
onthiswavefrontexperiencedifferentdelayintervalsduetotheshape
of the wedge. These are mechanical delays, as opposed to the
electronic delays employed in phased array testing. When the
wavefront hits the bottom surface it can be visualized through
Huygens principle as a series of point sources. The theoretically
spherical waves from each of these points interact to form a single
waveatanangledeterminedbySnellslaw.
In phased array testing, the predictable reinforcement and

cancellationeffectscausedbyphasingareusedtoshapeandsteerthe
ultrasonic beam. Pulsing individual elements or groups of elements
with different delays creates a series of point source waves that
combine into a single wavefront that travels at a selected angle (see
Figure 222). This electronic effect is similar to the mechanical delay
generated by a conventional wedge, but it can be further steered by
changingthepatternofdelays.Throughconstructiveinterference,the
amplitudeofthiscombinedwavecanbeconsiderablygreaterthanthe
amplitude of any one of the individual waves that produce it.
Similarly, variable delays are applied to the echoes received by each
element of the array. The echoes are summed to represent a single
angular and/or focal component of the total beam. In addition to
altering the direction of the primary wavefront, this combination of
individualbeamcomponentsallowsbeamfocusingatanypointinthe
nearfield.
Resulting wavefront
Figure 2-22 Angled waveform
Elementsareusuallypulsedingroupsof4to32inordertoimprove
effectivesensitivitybyincreasingaperture,whichreducesunwanted
beamspreadingandenablessharperfocusing.
Thereturningechoesarereceivedbythevariouselementsorgroups
26Chapter2 Olympus
ofelementsandtimeshiftedasnecessarytocompensateforvarying
wedge delays and then summed. Unlike a conventional single
element transducer, which effectively merges the effects of all beam
componentsthatstrikeitsarea,aphasedarrayprobecanspatiallysort
thereturningwavefrontaccordingtothearrivaltimeandamplitude
at each element. When processed by instrument software, each
returnedfocallawrepresentsthereflectionfromaparticularangular
componentofthebeam,aparticularpointalongalinearpath,and/or
a reflection from a particular focal depth. The echo information can
thenbedisplayedinanyofseveralstandardformats.
Asnotedpreviously,phasedarraybeamsaregeneratedbypulsingthe
individual probe elements or groups of elements in a particular
pattern. Phased array instruments generate these patterns based on
informationthathasbeenenteredbytheuser.
Softwareknownasafocallawcalculatorestablishesspecificdelaytimes
for firing each group of elements in order to generate the desired
beamshapethroughwaveinteraction,takingintoaccountprobeand
wedge characteristics as well as the geometry and acoustical
properties of the test material. The programmed pulsing sequence
selected by the instruments operating software, then launches a
number of individual wavefronts in the test material. These
wavefronts in turn combine constructively and destructively into a
single primary wavefront that travels through the test material and
reflects off cracks, discontinuities, back walls, and other material
boundariesaswithanyconventionalultrasonicwave.Thebeamcan
be dynamically steered through various angles, focal distances, and
focalspotsizesinsuchawaythatasingleprobeassemblyiscapable
ofexaminingthetestmaterialacrossarangeofdifferentperspectives.
Thisbeamsteeringhappensveryquickly,sothatascanfrommultiple
anglesorwithmultiplefocaldepthscanbeperformedinafractionof
asecond.
2.6 Beam Shaping and Steering

Theresponseofanyultrasonictestsystemdependsonacombination
of factors: the transducer used, the type of instrument used and its
settings,andtheacousticpropertiesofthetestmaterial.Theresponses
produced by phased array probes, like those from any other
ultrasonictransducersforNDT,arerelatedbothtotransducerdesign
parameters(suchasfrequency,size,andmechanicaldamping),andto
theparametersoftheexcitationpulsethatisusedtodrivetheprobe.
Four important probe parameters have a number of interrelated

effectsonperformance.
Frequency. As noted in the previous section, the test frequency has a

significanteffectonnearfieldlengthandbeamspreading.Inpractice,
higherfrequenciescanprovidebettersignaltonoiseratiothanlower
frequencies,becausetheyofferpotentiallysharperfocusingandthus

atighter,moreoptimizedfocalspot.Atthesametime,penetrationin
any test material decreases when frequency increases because
material attenuation increases as frequency rises. Applications
involving very long sound paths or test materials that are highly
attenuating or scattering require the use of lower frequencies.
Commonly, industrial phased array probes are offered with
frequenciesbetween1 MHzand15 MHz.
Elementsize.Asthesizeofindividualelementsinanarraydecreases,
itsbeamsteeringcapabilityincreases.Theminimumpracticalelement
size in commercial probes is typically near 0.2 mm. However, if the
elementsizeislessthanonewavelength,strongunwantedsidelobes
willoccur.
Numberofelements.Asthenumberofelementsinanarrayincreases,
so can the physical coverage area of the probe and its sensitivity,
focusing capability, and steering capability. At the same time, use of
large arrays must often be balanced against issues of system
complexityandcost.
Pitch and aperture. Pitch is the distance between individual elements;

aperture is the effective size of a pulsing element that is usually
comprised of a group of individual elements that are pulsed
simultaneously (virtual aperture). To optimize steering range, pitch
must be small. For optimum sensitivity, minimum unwanted beam
spreading, and strong focusing, the aperture must be large. Todays
phasedarrayinstrumentsmostcommonlysupportfocallawsforup
to 16element apertures. More advanced systems allow up to 32 or
even64elementapertures.
Thekeyconceptsforageneralunderstandingofphasedarraybeam
can be summarized as follows: A group of elements is fired with a
programmed focal law. This builds the desired probe aperture and
beamcharacteristics.
Decreasingpitchand Increasesbeamsteeringcapability
elementswidthwitha
constantnumberofelements
Increasingpitchorfrequency Createsunwantedgratinglobes
Increasingelementwidth Createssidelobes(asinconventional
UT),reducesbeamsteering
Increasingactiveapertureby Increasesfocusingfactor(sharpnessof
usingmanysmallelements beam)
withsmallpitch
Asnotedinpreviouspages,theessenceofphasedarraytestingisan
ultrasonic beam whose direction (refracted angle) and focus can be
steered electronically by varying the excitation delay of individual
elementsorgroupsofelements.Thisbeamsteeringpermitsmultiple
angle and/or multiple point inspection from a single probe and a
singleprobeposition(seeFigure223).
28Chapter2 Olympus
Figure 2-23 Focal law sequences
As previously explained, ultrasonic beam characteristics are defined

by many factors. In addition to element dimension, frequency, and
damping that govern conventional single element performance,
phased array probe behavior is affected by how smaller individual
elements are positioned, sized, and grouped to create an effective
apertureequivalenttoitsconventionalcounterpart.
ForphasedarrayprobesNelementsaregroupedtogethertoformthe
effective aperture for which beam spread can be approximated by
conventionaltransducermodels(seeFigure224).
Conventional 16-element array 16-element array

transducer All elements pulsing 4 elements pulsing
Single pulse
Figure 2-24 Effective aperture

Forphasedarrayprobes,themaximumsteeringangle(at6 dB)ina
givencaseisderivedfromthebeamspreadequation.Itcanbeeasily
seenthatsmallelementshavemorebeamspreadingandhencehigher
angularenergycontent,whichcanbecombinedtomaximizesteering.
Aselementsizedecreases,moreelementsmustbepulsedtogetherto
maintainsensitivity.

sin st = 0.514 ---
e
where:
sinst =sineofthemaximumsteeringangle
=wavelengthintestmaterial
e =elementwidth
64 mm aperture
32 mm aperture
18
16 mm aperture
36
Figure 2-25 Beam steering limits: When the element number is constant, 16 as
shown, the maximum beam steering angle increases as the aperture size decreases.
Recalling that the practical limit for phased array probe

manufacturing restricts the smallest individual element width to
0.2 mm, the active aperture for a 16element probe with 0.2 mm
elements would be 3.2 mm. Creating an aperture of 6.4 mm would
require 32 elements. While these probes would no doubt maximize
steering, the small apertures would limit static coverage area,
sensitivity,penetration,andfocusingability.
Thesteeringrangecanbefurthermodifiedbyusinganangledwedge
to change the incident angle of the sound beam independently of
electronicsteering.
Fromthebeamspreadangle,thebeamdiameteratanydistancefrom
the probe can be calculated. In the case of a square or rectangular
phasedarrayprobe,beamspreadinginthepassiveplaneissimilarto
that of an unfocused transducer. In the steered or active plane, the
beam can be electronically focused to converge acoustic energy at a
30Chapter2 Olympus
desireddepth.Withafocusedprobe,thebeamprofilecantypicallybe
represented by a tapering cone (or wedge in the case of singleaxis
focusing)thatconvergestoafocalpointandthendivergesatanequal
anglebeyondthefocalpoint,asdescribedasfollows:
The nearfield length and hence the natural divergence of an

ultrasonic beam are determined by aperture (equal to element
diameter in the case of conventional monolithic transducers) and
wavelength (wave velocity divided by frequency). For an unfocused
circular probe, the nearfield length, beam spread angle, and beam
diametercanbecalculatedasfollows:
D2 f D2
Near-field length = --------- = -------
4c 4
where:
f =frequency
c
=wavelength= --
f
Fortheformulaforsquareorrectangularelements,seepages 1314.
2.7 Beam Focusing with Phased Array

Probes
Sound beams can be focused like light rays, creating an hourglass
shapedbeamthattaperstoaminimumdiameteratafocalpointand
thenexpandsoncepastthatfocalpoint(seeFigure226).
Figure 2-26 Focused sound beam

The depth at which the beam from a phased array focuses can be
variedbychangingthepulsedelays.Thenearfieldlengthinagiven
materialdefinesthemaximumdepthatwhichasoundbeamcanbe
focused.Abeamcannotbefocusedbeyondtheendofthenearfieldin
thetestmaterial.
A focused probes effective sensitivity is affected by the beam

diameteratthepointofinterest.Thesmallerthebeamdiameter,the
greater is the amount of energy that is reflected by a small flaw.
Additionally,thesmallbeamdiameteratthefocuscanimprovelateral
resolution. The6 dB beam diameter or width of a focused probe at
thefocalpointcanbecalculatedasfollows:
1.02 Fc
6 dB beam diameter or width = ------------------
fD
where:
F =focallengthintestmedium
For rectangular elements, this is calculated separately for the active
andpassivedirections.
Fromtheseformulasitcanbeseenthatastheelementsizeand/orthe
frequencyincrease,thebeamspreadangledecreases.Asmallerbeam
spreadangleinturncanresultinhighereffectivesensitivityinthefar
fieldzoneduetothebeamenergydissipatingmoreslowly.Withinits
near field, a probe can be focused to create a beam that converges
rather than diverges. Narrowing the beam diameter or width to a
focalpointincreasessoundenergyperunitareawithinthefocalzone
and thus increases sensitivity to small reflectors. Conventional
transducers usually do this with a refractive acoustic lens, while
phasedarraysdoitelectronicallybymeansofphasedpulsingandthe
resultingbeamshapingeffects.
In the case of the most commonly used linear phased arrays with
rectangular elements, the beam is focused in the steering direction
and unfocused in the passive direction. Increasing the aperture size
increasesthesharpnessofthefocusedbeam,ascanbeseeninthese
beam profiles (see Figure 227). Red areas correspond to the highest
soundpressure,andblueareastolowersoundpressure.
32Chapter2 Olympus
Figure 2-27 Beam focusing with different aperture sizes
2.8 Grating Lobes and Side Lobes

Another phenomenon associated with phased array probes is the
generation of unwanted grating lobes and side lobes. These two
closelyrelatedphenomenaarecausedbysoundenergythatspreads
outfromtheprobeatanglesotherthantheprimarysoundpath.Side
lobesarenotlimitedtophasedarraysystemssidelobesalsooccur
withconventionaltransducersaselementsizeincreases.Gratinglobes
only occur in phased array probes as a result of ray components
associated with the regular, periodic spacing of the small individual
elements.Theseunwantedraypathscanreflectoffsurfacesinthetest
pieceandcausespuriousindicationsonanimage.Theamplitudeof
grating lobes is significantly affected by pitch size, the number of
elements, frequency, and bandwidth. The beam profiles shown in
Figure 228 compare two situations where the probe aperture is
approximatelythesame,butthebeamontheleftisgeneratedbysix
elementsat0.4 mmpitch,andthebeamontherightbythreeelements
at 1 mm pitch. The beam on the left is somewhat shaped as a cone,
whilethebeamontherighthastwospuriouslobesatanapproximate
30 degreeangletothecenteraxisofthebeam.

Figure 2-28 Beam profiles with different number of elements
Grating lobes occur whenever the size of individual elements in an

arrayisequaltoorgreaterthanthewavelength.Therearenograting
lobes when the element size is smaller than half a wavelength. (For
elementsizesbetweenonehalfandonewavelength,thegeneratingof
gratinglobesdependsonthesteeringangle.)Thusthesimplestwayto
minimizegratinglobesinagivenapplication,istouseaprobewitha
small pitch. A specialized probe design incorporating subdicing
(cuttingelementsintosmallerelements)andvaryingelementspacing,
alsoreducesunwantedlobes.
2.9 Phased Array Probe Selection Summary

Designing phased array probes is always a compromise between
selectingtheproperpitch,elementwidth,andaperture.Usingahigh
numberofsmallelementstoincreasesteering,reducessidelobesand
provides focusing, but can be limited by cost of manufacturing and
instrumentcomplexity.Moststandardinstrumentssupportapertures
of up to 16 elements. Separating elements at greater distances can
seem to be the easy way of gaining aperture size, but this creates
unwantedgratinglobes.
Itisimportanttonotethatvendorsofphasedarrayprobesoftenoffer
standardprobesthathavebeendesignedwiththesecompromisesin
mind, resulting in optimized performance for the intended use.
Actual probe selection is ultimately driven by the end application
needs.Insomecases,multianglesteeringisrequiredoversmallmetal
34Chapter2 Olympus
pathssolargeaperturesizesarenotneededordesired.Inothercases,
theapplication,whichmaybetocoverlargeareasforlaminardefects,
requireslargeaperturesandlinearscanformatwithmultiplegrouped
elementswheresteeringisnotrequiredatall.Ingeneral,theusercan
apply the best practice from their conventional UT knowledge for
frequencyandapertureselection.
The Olympus phased array probe catalog can be viewed at the

followingaddress:
www.olympusims.com/en/probes/pa/
Consult it to view the full selection of probes and wedges that is

available.

3. Basics of Phased Array Imaging
Both conventional and phased array ultrasonic instruments utilize

highfrequencysoundwaves to check the internal structureofa test
pieceormeasureitsthickness.Theybothrelyonthesamebasiclaws
ofphysicsthatgovernsoundwavepropagation.Similarconceptsare
employedinbothultrasonictechnologiestopresentultrasonicdata.
Conventional ultrasonic instruments for NDT commonly consist of

either a single active element that both generates and receives high
frequencysoundwaves,ortwopairedelements,onefortransmitting
and one for receiving. A typical instrument consists of a single
channelpulserandreceiverthatgeneratesandreceivesanultrasonic
signal with an integrated digital acquisition system, which is
coordinated with an onboard display and measurement module. In
more advanced units, multiple pulser receiver channels can be used
with a group of transducers to increase zone of coverage for
evaluating different depths or flaw orientations, and can further
provide alarm outputs. In more advanced systems, conventional
ultrasonics can be integrated with positional encoders, controllers,
andsoftwareaspartofanimagingsystem.
Phased array instruments, on the other hand, are naturally

multichanneled as they need to provide excitation patterns (focal
laws) to probes with 16 to as many as 256 elements. Unlike
conventionalflawdetectors,phasedarraysystemscansweepasound
beam from one probe through a range of refracted angles, along a
linearpath,ordynamicallyfocusatanumberofdifferentdepths,thus
Olympus BasicsofPhasedArrayImaging37

increasing both flexibility and capability in inspection setups. This
added ability to generate multiple sound paths within one probe,
addsapowerfuladvantageindetectionandnaturallyaddstheability
to visualize an inspection by creating an image of the inspection
zone.Phasedarrayimagingprovidestheuserwiththeabilitytosee
relative pointtopoint changes and multiangular defect responses,
which can assist in flaw discrimination and sizing. While this can
seem inherently complex, it can actually simplify expanding
inspection coverage with increased detection by eliminating the
complex fixtures and multiple transducers that are often required
withconventionalUTinspectionmethods.
The following sections further explain the basic formats for

conventionalandphasedarraydatapresentation.
3.1 A-Scan Data

All ultrasonic instruments typically record two fundamental
parametersofanecho:howlargeitis(amplitude)andwhereitoccurs
intimewithrespecttoazeropoint(pulsetransittime).Transittime,in
turn,isusuallycorrelatedtoreflectordepthordistance,basedonthe
sound velocity of the test material and the following simple
relationship:
Distance=VelocityTime
The most basic presentation of ultrasonic waveform data is in the

formofanAscan,orwaveformdisplay,inwhichechoamplitudeand
transit time are plotted on a simple grid with the vertical axis
representingamplitudeandthehorizontalaxisrepresentingtime.The
example in Figure 31 shows a version with a rectified waveform;
unrectifiedRFdisplaysare alsoused.The redbaronthescreenis a
gatethatselectsaportionofthewavetrainforanalysis,typicallythe
measurementofechoamplitudeand/ordepth.
38Chapter3 Olympus
Figure 3-1 A-scan data
3.2 Single Value B-Scans

AnotherwayofpresentingtheAscandataisasasinglevalueBscan.
Thisformatiscommonlyusedwithconventionalflawdetectorsand
corrosionthicknessgagestoplotthedepthofreflectorswithrespect
totheirlinearposition.Thethicknessisplottedasafunctionoftimeor
position,whilethetransducerisscannedalongtheparttoprovideits
depth profile. Correlating ultrasonic data with the actual transducer
position allows a proportional view to be plotted and allows the
ability to correlate and track data to specific areas of the part being
inspected.Thispositiontrackingistypicallydonethroughtheuseof
electromechanicaldevicesknownasencoders.Theseencodersareused
either in fixtures, which are manually scanned, or in automated
systems that move the transducer by a programmable motor

controlledscanner.Ineithercase,theencoderrecordsthelocationof
each data acquisition with respect to a desired userdefined scan
patternandindexresolution.
InthecaseshowninFigure32,theBscanshowstwodeepreflectors
and one shallower reflector, corresponding to the positions of the
sidedrilledholesinthetestblock.
Figure 3-2 B-scan data
3.3 Cross-sectional B-Scans

A crosssectional Bscan provides a detailed end view of a test piece
along a single axis. This provides more information than the single
value Bscan presented earlier. Instead of plotting just a single
measured value from within a gated region, the whole Ascan
waveformisdigitizedateachtransducerlocation.SuccessiveAscans
are plotted over the elapsed time or the actual encoded transducer
40Chapter3 Olympus
positionssoastodrawcrosssectionsofthescannedline.Thisallows
the user to visualize both the near and farsurface reflectors within
thesample.Withthistechnique,thefullwaveformdataisoftenstored
at each location, and may be recalled from the image for further
evaluationorverification.
Toaccomplishthis,eachdigitizedpointofthewaveformisplottedso
thatcolorrepresentingsignalamplitudeappearsattheproperdepth.
Successive Ascans are digitized, related to color, and stacked at

userdefinedintervals(elapsedtimeorposition)toformatruecross
sectionalimage(seeFigure33).
Figure 3-3 Cross-sectional B-scan

3.4 Linear Scans
Aphasedarraysystemuseselectronicscanningalongthelengthofa
linear array probeto create a crosssectionalprofile withoutmoving
the probe. As each focal law is sequenced, the associated Ascan is
digitized and plotted. Successive apertures are stacked creating a
livecrosssectionalview.Inpractice,thiselectronicsweepingisdone
in real time so a live cross section can be continually viewed as the
probe is physically moved. Figure 34 is an image made with a 64
element linear phased array probe. In this example, the user
programmedthefocallawtouse16elementstoformanapertureand
sequencedthestartingelementincrementsbyone.Thisresultedin49
individualwaveformsthatwerestackedtocreatetherealtimecross
sectionalviewacrosstheprobes1.5 in.length.
Figure 3-4 Normal beam linear scan
42Chapter3 Olympus
Itisalsopossibletoscanatafixedangleacrosselements(seeFigure
35). As discussed in section 5.3, on page 69, this is very useful for
automatedweldinspections.Usinga64elementlinearphasedarray
probe with wedge, shear waves can be generated at a userdefined
angle(often45,60,or70 degrees).Withaperturesequencingthrough
the length of the probe, full volumetric weld data can be collected
without physically increasing the distance to weld center line while
scanning. This provides for singlepass inspection along the weld
length.
Figure 3-5 Angle beam linear scan
3.5 C-Scans
Another presentation option is a Cscan. A Cscan is a two
dimensionalpresentationofdatadisplayedasatoporplanarviewof
atestpiece.Itissimilarinitsgraphicperspectivetoanxrayimage,
where color represents the gated signal amplitude or depth at each
point in the test piece mapped to its position. Planar images can be

generated on flat parts by tracking data to the XY position, or on
cylindrical parts by tracking axial and angular positions. For
conventionalultrasound,amechanicalscannerwithencodersisused
totrackthetransducerscoordinatestothedesiredindexresolution.
A Cscan from a phased array system is very similar to one from a

conventionalprobe.Withphasedarraysystems,however,theprobeis
typically moved physically along one axis while the beam
electronically scans along the other, according to the focal law
sequence.Signalamplitudeordepthdataiscollectedwithinthegated
regionofinterestjustasinconventionalCscans.Inthecaseofphased
arrays, data is plotted with each focal law progression, using the
programmedbeamaperture.
Figure36isaCscanofatestblockusinga5 MHz,64elementlinear
array probe with a zerodegree wedge. Each focal law uses 16
elements to form the aperture, and at each pulsing the starting
elementincrementsbyone.Thisresultsinfortyninedatapointsthat
areplotted(horizontallyintheimageofFigure36)acrosstheprobes
37 mm (1.5 in.) length. As the probe is moved forward in a straight
line, a planar Cscan view emerges. Encoders are normally used
wheneveraprecisegeometricalcorrespondenceofthescanimageto
thepartmustbemaintained,althoughnonencodedmanualscanscan
alsoprovideusefulinformationinmanycases.
Generalized beam profile and Phased array C-scan image

direction of motion showing hole position
Figure 3-6 C-scan data using 64-element linear phased array probe
While the graphic resolution might not be fully equivalent to a

conventional Cscan because of the larger effective beam size, there
are other considerations. The phased array system is field portable,
whichtheconventionalsystemisnot,anditcostsaboutonethirdthe
price.Additionally,aphasedarrayimagecanoftenbemadeinafew
44Chapter3 Olympus
seconds,whileaconventionalimmersionscantypicallytakesseveral
minutes.
Linear phased array probes are also commonly used for performing
refractedshearwaveinspectionsalongthelengthofwelds.Figure37
shows a 2.25 MHz 64element phased array probe mounted on an
angledwedgetocreateshearwavesatauserdefinedangle,typically
45,60,or70 degrees.Withtheprobepositionedperpendiculartothe
weld,theaperturecanbesequencedoverthelengthoftheprobe.This
effectivelyallowstherefractedshearwavetomovethroughtheweld
volume without mechanical movement ofthe probe from the welds
centerline.Fullvolumetricdatacanbepresentedbyslidingtheprobe
parallel to the weld line. Using an encoder, data can be plotted in a
Cscan like format where amplitude of the reflector is plotted as a
functionofapertureposition(Yaxis)anddistancetraveledalongthe
weld(Xaxis).Thisscanningformatisoftenreferredtoasaoneline
scan. For producing repeatable results, a mechanical scanner is
suggested.InFigure37,areflectionfromtheungroundweldbottom
is plotted along the whole weld length at the top of the image. The
Ascanandcursorsmarkalargeindicationfromanareaoftheweld
withlackofsidewallfusion.
Figure 3-7 One-line scan for weld inspection using an encoded 2.25 MHz 64-
element probe steered at 60 degrees

3.6 S-Scans
Ofallimagingmodesdiscussedsofar,theSscanisuniquetophased
arrayequipment.Inalinearscan,allfocallawsemployafixedangle
with sequencing apertures. Sscans, on the other hand, use fixed
aperturesandsteerthroughasequenceofangles.
Twomainformsaretypicallyused.Themostfamiliar,verycommon
in medical imaging, uses a zerodegree interface wedge to steer
longitudinal waves, creating a pieshaped image showing laminar
andslightlyangleddefects(seeFigure38).
Figure 3-8 30 to +30 S-scan
The second format employs a plastic wedge to increase the incident

beamangletogenerateshearwaves,mostcommonlyintherefracted
46Chapter3 Olympus
angle range of 30 to 70 degrees. This technique is similar to a

conventional angle beam inspection, except that the beam sweeps
througharangeofanglesratherthanasinglefixedangledetermined
byawedge.Aswiththelinearsectorialscan,theimagepresentationis
a crosssectional picture of the inspected area of the test piece (see
Figure39).
Figure 3-9 +35 to +70 S-scan
The actual image generation works on the same stacked Ascan

principlethatwasdiscussedinthecontextoflinearscansintroduced
intheprevioussection.Theuserdefinestheanglestart,end,andstep
resolution to generate the Sscan image. Notice that the aperture
remains constant, each defined angle generating a corresponding
beam with characteristics defined by aperture, frequency, damping,
and the like. The waveform response from each angle (focal law) is
digitized,colorcoded,andplotted atthe appropriatecorresponding
angle,buildingacrosssectionalimage.
In actuality the Sscan is produced in real time so as to continually

offerdynamicimagingwithprobemovement.Thisisveryusefulfor
defectvisualizationandincreasesprobabilityofdetection,especially

withrespecttorandomlyorienteddefects,asmanyinspectionangles
canbeusedatthesametime.
3.7 Combined Image Formats

Phasedarrayimagesarepowerfulintheirabilitytoproviderealtime
visualization of volumetric data. Through the electronic scanning
process,imagingtrulybecomesrealtimeandisusedinbothmanual
andautomatedsystemstoincreaseprobabilityofdetection.Especially
inautomatedandmorecapablephasedarrayinstruments,theability
to display multiple image types and store complete raw waveform
informationfortheentireinspection,allowspostscanninganalysisof
the inspection results. Because all the ultrasonic waveform data is
collected, this postanalysis enables the reconstruction of sectorial
scans, Cscans, and/or Bscans with corresponding Ascan
information at any inspection location. For example, the screen in
Figure310simultaneouslydisplaystherectifiedAscanwaveform,a
sectorscan,andaplanarCscanimageoftheweldprofile.
Figure 3-10 Multiple image types display
3.8 Scan Rate and Data Acquisition

When generating Bscans or Cscans, a phased array probe can be
movedeitherbyhandorbyanautomatedscanningfixture.Ineither
case, data acquisition can be freerunning based solely on the
instrumentsupdaterate,orcorrelatedtotheprobepositionthrough
the use of electromechanical encoders. As noted above, correlating
ultrasonic data with the actual probe position allows a proportional
viewtobeplottedanddatatobematchedtospecificareasofthepart
being inspected. The encoder records the location of each data
48Chapter3 Olympus
acquisition with respect to a desired userdefined scan pattern and

indexresolution.
Inordertoavoidgapsindataacquisition,itisimportanttoconsider
thespeedatwhichtheprobeismovingandthedistanceresolutionof
the encoder. In short, the instruments data acquisition rate must be
greater than the scanning speed, divided by the encoder resolution.
The acquisition rate is determined by instrument design and setup,
mostimportantlybythepulserepetitionfrequency(PRF),andbythe
number of focal laws being generated for each acquisition, both of
which are setup variables. The PRF divided by the number of focal
lawsrepresentsthefastestpossibleacquisitionrateforaphasedarray
system.However,thatnumbercanbefurtheradjustedbyfactorssuch
asaveraging,digitalsamplingrate,andprocessingtime.Consultthe
instrumentmanufacturerfordetails.
Once the acquisition rate has been established, the maximum scan
speed can be calculated based on the desired encoder resolution, or
vice versa. The effect of an excessive scanning speed for a given
encoderresolutioncanbeseeninthescanimagesinFigure311.
IMPORTANT
Scanning speed
1. Acquisition rate ------------------------------------------------
Scan axis resolution
2. IfthesamePRFissetforallAscans,then:
Recurrence
Acquisition rate ----------------------------------------------------
Number of focal laws
scanning speed
Acquisition rate >
encoder resolutions
20 mm/s 10 mm/s
Figure 3-11 Example of the scanning speed influence on acquisition rate

4. Phased Array Instrumentation
There is a wide variety of phased array probes commercially

available.Whilethelineararrayprobeiscertainlythemostcommonly
usedconfiguration,customizedprobeswithhighelementcountsand
varying element placements, are also available. They are often
designed to meet demanding application needs that require high
speed, full volumetric coverage, and/or complex beam steering. To
meet these needs, there are varying levels of phased array
instrumentation now commercially available in three general
classifications: field portable manual, field portable automated, and
rackinstrumentsforinlineinspection.
4.1 Important Specifications

Whenevaluatingconventionalflawdetectors,anumberoffunctional
characteristicsare often specified.Thesecharacteristics are generally
shared with phased array instruments. Not all of the items listed
belowareavailableinallinstruments.
Pulser and receiver

Parametersthatlargelydefinetheoperatingrangeoftransducersthat
canbeusedwiththeinstrument
Pulser Receiver
Availablespikepulser Overallbandwidth
Availablesquarewavepulser Availablenarrowbandfilters
Pulserrepetitionfrequency Timevariedgain
Overalldynamicrange
Measurement and display

Parametersdefiningthegeneralmeasurementanddisplaymodesof
aninstrument:
Numberofalarm/measurementgates
Olympus PhasedArrayInstrumentation51

Ascan display modes: Rectification (RF, Full Wave, Half Wave),
Maximum, Composite, Averaged, Hollow, Filled, and Peak
Memory
Range
Measurementresolution
Measurementtypes(thatis,soundpath,depth,distancefromfront
ofprobe,dB,dBtocurve,etc.)
SinglevalueBscanmode(notavailableonmostflawdetectors)
Sizing options
Avarietyofflawdetectionstandardsandcodeshavebeendeveloped
and arein practice for sizinga variety of defectsusing conventional
ultrasonics. These apply to the inspection of welds as well as to a
variety of metallic and composite structures. Certain inspections
requirethataspecificcodebefollowed.Asaresult,awidevarietyof
tools are now available in conventional digital flaw detectors to
automatedataacquisitionandrecordtestresultsasrequiredbycodes.
Inputs and outputs

Inputsandoutputsgenerallydefinehowtheinstrumentcanbeused
withexternaldevicesand/orsoftware:
Numberandtypeofalarmoutputs
USBforprinting,saving,ordatatransfer
Availabilityofencoderinputsforlinkingdatatoposition
Trigger input for external control of pulser firing and acquisition
cycle
Additional phased array specifications

Becauseofthemultielementnatureofphasedarrayinstruments,there
areadditionalkeyspecificationsthatneedfurtherconsiderationand
review.
Number of pulsers. Defines the maximum number of elements that

canbegroupedtoformanactiveapertureorvirtualprobeaperture.
Numberofchannels.Definesthetotalnumberofchannelsthatcanbe
used for sequencing apertures that leads to the potential increase in
coveragefromasingleprobefootprint.
XX:YY.Namingconventionused,whereXX =numberofpulsers,and
YY = total number of available channels. The number of channels is
alwaysgreaterorequaltonumberofpulsers.Instrumentsfrom16:16
to32:128areavailableinfieldportablepackaging.Higherpulserand
receiver combinations are available for inline inspections and/or
systemsthatuselargerelementcountprobes.
Focallaws.Thenumberoffocallawsthatcanbecombinedtoforman
52Chapter4 Olympus
imageisoftenspecified.Ingeneral,higherXX:YYconfigurationscan
support more focal laws as they support greater element apertures
and/or more aperture steps in linear scanning. Note that more focal
laws does not always mean more functionality. Take the example
below:a64elementprobeperforminga40to70 degreessectorialscan
of three sidedrilled holes, comparing steering with 1 degree (31
laws), 2 degree (16 laws), and 4 degree (8 laws) steps over a 2 in.
(50 mm)metalpath(seeFigure41,Figure42,andFigure43).While
the image is slightly better defined with finer angle increments,
detection at a coarser resolution is adequate. Unless the beam
diameter is drastically reduced with focusing, sizing from images
doesnotdramaticallychangeeither.
Figure 4-1 40 to 70 degrees S-scan: steering with 1 degree (31 laws) steps

54Chapter4 Olympus
Table 41 shows examples for the number of focal laws required to

perform linear scans with varying combinations of virtual probe
aperturesandtotalelementcounts.
Table 4-1 Number of elements and focal laws required for linear scans
Linearscan
Aperture Totalelements Elementstep Numberof
laws
4 16 1 13
8 16 1 9
4 32 1 29
8 32 1 25
16 32 1 17
4 64 1 61
8 64 1 57
16 64 1 49
8 128 1 121
16 128 1 113
8 256 1 249
16 256 1 241
Itcanbeseenthatastheaperturebecomessmaller,orthenumberof
elementsbecomeslarger,thenumberoffocallawsrequiredperscan
increases.Thiswillhaveaneffectondisplayupdaterateascalculated
below.
PRF/Display update rate. Instruments can vary greatly in display

updateinvariousimagemodes.Forphasedarrayimagingmodes:
PRF
Maximum image display rate = ----------------------------------------------------
Number of focal laws
An example ofareducedfourfocallawlinearscansequence with a

60 Hz image display update, is shown in Figure 44 for
conceptualization.

Focal law 1 Focal law 2 Focal law 3 Focal law 4 Focal law 1
150 ns 150 ns 150 ns 150 ns 150 ns
4.15 ms 8.30 ms 12.45 ms 16.6 ms
PRF = 240 Hz PRF = 240 Hz PRF = 240 Hz PRF = 240 Hz
Image display update = 60 Hz
Figure 4-4 Example of a reduced four-focal-law linear scan sequence
Theactualimagedisplayratecanbeaffectedbyotherparameters.The
Ascanrefreshrateofasinglefocallawvariesbetweeninstruments.In
some instruments, the Ascan PRF rate is limited by the maximum
image display update, whether it is shown with the phased array
image or even when maximized to a full Ascan. For this reason, in
some applications it might be important to verify the Ascan PRF
when derived from a focal law sequence in various image display
modes.
Probe recognition. The ability to recognize phased array probes

reduces operator setup time and potential errors by automatically
configuringaninstrumentsetupwiththepropernumberofelements
andprobegeometry.
Image types. Sectorial and linear scans are typically available in

phasedarrayinstruments.Theabilitytostacktheseimagemodesto
create amplitude and depth Cscans, allows planar images to be
formedandprovidesexpandedmeansforsizingdefects.
Waveformstorage.TheabilitytostorerawRFwaveformsallowsdata
to be reviewed offline. This is particularly useful when collecting
dataoveralargearea.
Multigroup support. More capable phased array instruments allow

multiplefocallawgroupstobesequencedononeormoreconnected
probes. This is especially useful in cases where it is important to
collectvolumetricdatawhichistobeanalyzedoffline.Forexample,a
5 MHz, 64element probe can be programmed to use elements 116
for a 40 to 70 degree Sscan, while a second group can be used to
perform a 60 degree linear scan with an aperture of 16 elements,
steppingbyoneelementovertheentire64elementlength.
56Chapter4 Olympus
Encoding. There are two classes of instruments generally available:

manualandencoded.
A manual phased array instrument works much like a conventional

flawdetectorasitprovidesrealtimedata.AlongwithanAscan,the
instrument also shows realtime Sscan or linearscan images, which
canaidindetectionanddiscontinuityanalysis.Theabilitytouseand
visualizemorethanoneangleorpositionatatimeinatestisthemain
reasonforusingthistypeofinstrument.Insomecases,suchascrack
sizing,theimagecanbeusedasatooltohelpsizecrackdepth.
A phased array instrument with an encoder interface merges probe

positional data, probe geometry, and programmed focal law
sequencestoallowtop,end,andsideviewimagesoftestspecimen.
In instruments that also store full waveform data, images can be
reconstructedtoprovidecrosssectionalviewsalongthelengthofthe
scan or regenerate planar Cscans at various levels. These encoded
imagesallowplanarsizingofdefects.
Reference cursors. Instruments provide various cursors that can be

used on an image as aids for interpretation, sizing, and depth
measurement.InanSscan,itispossibletousecursorsformeasuring
crackheight.Anapproximatedefectsizecanbemeasuredwhenusing
encoded data sets. The images that follow show some examples of
availablecursors.
Inthesimplestdisplaybelow(Figure45),thebluecursorshowsthe
angularcomponentoftheSscanthatisrepresentedbytheAscan,the
horizontalredlinesmarkthebeginningandendofthedatagateused
formeasurement,andtheverticalgreenlinemarksthepositiononthe
image that corresponds to the front of the wedge. The latter is
commonlyusedasareferencepointforcalculatingreflectorlocation,
notingthatnearsurfacereflectorsmightbelocatedunderthewedge,
sincetheexactbeamindexpoint(BIP)foraphasedarrayprobevaries
withangleand/oraperturegroup.

Figure 4-5 Angular cursor
The Sscan image in Figure 46 includes horizontal cursors

representingtheendofthefirstandsecondlegsoundpathsinthetest
material. It also shows the angular cursors marking the three most
commontestanglesof45,60,and70 degrees.Inaddition,theAscan
is marked with a vertical cursor at the 80 % amplitude point that is
commonlyusedasareferencelevel.
Figure 4-6 Angular and horizontal cursors
Advanced interpretive software further enhances visualization and

analysis. The display in Figure 47 shows a singleangle Ascan, a
Sscan, a raytracing diagram with a weld overlay that shows the
positionofreflectorswithinaweld,andasummarychartshowingthe
58Chapter4 Olympus
calculatedpositionandmeasuredamplitudeofeachindication.
Figure 4-7 Multiple display formats
4.2 Calibration and Normalization Methods

Zero calibration. Because wedge delay varies with the angle in a
phased array system, it is necessary to vary the probe zero offset
across the angles. Typically, default zero profiles based on wedge
geometryareprogrammedininstrumentsoftware,butthesedefault
profiles can be adjusted for higher accuracy through a calibration
procedurebysweepingthebeamacrossareferencereflectoratafixed
depthordistance.
Gain normalization. Because beam formation relies on varying

elementdelaysandgroups,itisimportanttonormalizetheamplitude
response from each focal law to compensate for both elementto
element sensitivity variations in the array probe and for varying
wedgeattenuationandenergytransferefficiencyatdifferentrefracted
angles. Calibration of wedge delay and sensitivity over the entire
inspectionsequencenotonlyprovidesclearerimagevisualization,but
also allows measurement and sizing from any focal law. Olympus
nondestructive testing instruments offer full calibration, whereas
many other instruments in the industry can only calibrate one focal
law at any one time. The Olympus instruments provide full Angle
Corrected Gain (ACG) and TimeCorrected Gain (TCG), as required
byASMESection V.
In the Figure 48 example, prior to gain normalization, the response

from a reference reflector at 65 degrees, is significantly lower than
fromthesamereflectorat45 degrees.

Figure 4-8 Response prior to gain normalization
Followingnormalization,theinstrumentadjuststhereferencegainto
equalize the response from the reference hole across all angles, as
showninFigure49.
60Chapter4 Olympus
Figure 4-9 Response following gain normalization
TVG/DAC for phased array. For sizing defects, Ascan amplitude

techniques using DAC curves or timecorrected gain, are common.
These methods account for material attenuation effects and beam
spreading by compensating gain levels (TVG/TCG) or drawing a
reference DAC curve based on same size reflector response as a
function of distance. As in conventional UT sensitivity calibrations,

some phased array instruments allow a TVG curve to be built at
multiplepointsoverallthedefinedfocallaws.Intheseinstruments,
theviewcanbeswitchedfromTVGtoDACcurveatanytime.This
allows the use of sizing curves across different angles in the case of
Sscans or at any virtual aperture in linear scans. With TCG/TVG
applied, the detection and visualization of defects throughout the
partsvolumeisgreatlyenhanced.
62Chapter4 Olympus
5. Phased Array Test Setup and

Display Format
This chapter provides further insight into how phased array images
areconstructed.Inparticular,itfurtherexplainsrequiredinputs,and
the relationships of the various phased array display types with
respect to the actual probe assembly and part being inspected. The
chapteralso explainsthetypically availableAscanviews associated
withthephasedarrayimage.
5.1 Instrument Setup Considerations
Figure 5-1 Typical phased array inspection using the OmniScan
As discussed previously, there are many factors that need to be

identified in order to properly perform any ultrasonic inspection. In
summary, there are materialspecific characteristics and transducer
characteristics needed to calibrate the instrument for a proper
inspection.
Olympus PhasedArrayTestSetupandDisplayFormat63

Material
1. Velocityofthematerialbeinginspectedneedstobesetinorderto
properly measure depth. Care must be taken to select the proper
velocity mode (longitudinal or shear). Compressional straight
beamtestingtypicallyuseslongitudinalwaves,whileanglebeam
inspectionsmostoftenuseshearwavepropagation.
2. Partthicknessinformationistypicallyentered.Thisisparticularly
useful in angle beam inspections. It allows proper depth
measurement relative to the leg number in angle beam
applications.ThisalsoallowscorrectpositionmarkersonSscans.
3. Radiusofcurvatureshouldbeconsideredwheninspectingnonflat
parts.Thiscurvaturecanbealgorithmicallyaccountedfortomake
moreaccuratedepthmeasurements.
Probe
1. The frequency must be known to allow for proper pulser
parametersandreceiverfiltersettings.
2. Zero Offset must be established in order to offset electrical and
mechanical delays resulting from coupling, matching layer,
cabling, and electronic induced delays for proper thickness
readings.
3. The amplitude response from known reflectors must be set and
available for reference in order to use common amplitude sizing
techniques.
4. Angleofsoundbeamentryintothematerialbeinginspected.
5. Forphasedarrayprobes,thenumberofelementsandpitchneedto
beknown.
Wedge
1. Velocityofsoundpropagationthroughthewedge.
2. Incidentangleofthewedge.
3. Beamindexpointorfrontofprobereference.
4. Firstelementheightoffsetforphasedarray.
Inconventionalultrasonictesting,alloftheabovestepsmustbetaken
priortoinspectiontoachieveproperresults.Becauseasingleelement
probehasafixedaperture,theentryangleselection,zerooffset,and
amplitude calibration are specific to a single transducer or
transducer/wedgecombination.Eachtimeatransduceroritswedgeis
changed,anewcalibrationmustbeperformed.
Using phased array probes, the user must follow these same
principles.Themainadvantageofphasedarraytestingistheabilityto
changeaperture,focus,and/orangledynamically,essentiallyallowing
the use of several probes at one time. This imparts the additional
requirementofextendingcalibrationandsetuprequirementstoeach
phasedarrayprobestate(commonlyreferredtoasafocallaw).This
64Chapter5 Olympus
not only allows accurate measurements of amplitude and depth

across the entire programmed focal sequence, but also provides
accurateandenhancedvisualizationthroughtheimagesthatphased
arrayinstrumentsproduce.
Oneofthemajordifferencesbetweenconventionalandphasedarray
inspections,occursinanglebeaminspections.WithconventionalUT,
input of an improper wedge angle or material velocity will cause
errorsin locating thedefect,but basic wave propagation(and hence
theresultantAscan)isnotinfluenced,asitreliessolelyonmechanical
refraction. For phased array, however, proper material and wedge
velocities, along with probe and wedge parameter inputs, are
requiredtoarriveattheproperfocallawstoelectronicallysteeracross
the desired refracted angles and to create sensible images. In more
capableinstruments,proberecognitionutilitiesautomaticallytransfer
criticalphasedarrayprobeinformationandusewellorganizedsetup
librariestomanagetheuserselectionofthecorrectwedgeparameters.
Thefollowingvaluesmustnormallybeenteredinordertoprograma
phasedarrayscan:
Probe parameters
Frequency
Bandwidth
Size
Numberofelements
Elementpitch
Wedge parameters
Incidentangleofthewedge
Nominalvelocityofthewedge
OffsetZ=heighttocenteroffirstelement
IndexoffsetX=distancefromfrontofwedgetofirstelement
ScanoffsetY=distancefromsideofwedgetocenterofelements
offset x
offset y
velocity
offset z
angle
Figure 5-2 Wedge parameters

Focal law setup
The instrument must have the basic probe and wedge settings
entered, either manually or by using automatic probe recognition.
Along with typical UT settings for the pulser, receiver, and
measurement gate setup, the user must also set probe beam and
electronicsteering(focallaw)values.
Required user inputs

Materialvelocity
Element quantity (the number of elements used to form the
apertureoftheprobe)
Selection of the total number of elements to be used to set probe
aperture
Elementstep(defineshowthedefinedaperturemovesacrossthe
probe)forlinearscans
Desired focus depth, which must be set less than the nearfield
length(N)toeffectivelycreateafocus
Angle(s)ofinspection
ForSscans,thisparameterisexpandedintothreesettings:
Thefirstangleofthescan
Thelastangleofthescan
Theincrementatwhichanglesaretobestepped
5.2 Normal Beam Linear Scans

Normal beam linear scans are usually easy to conceptualize on a
display because the scan image typically represents a simple cross
sectional view of the test piece. As described in chapter 3, a phased
array system uses electronic scanning along the length of a linear
array probe to create a crosssectional profile without moving the
probe. As each focal law is sequenced, the associated Ascan is
digitized and plotted. Successive apertures are stacked, creating a
livecrosssectionalview.TheeffectissimilartoaBscanpresentation
createdbymovingaconventionalsingleelementtransduceracrossa
test piece and storing data at selected intervals. To gain the full
advantages of linear array scanning, a minimum of 32 elements is
typically used. It is even more common to use 64 elements. More
elements allow larger apertures to be stepped across the probe,
providing greater sensitivity, increased capacity of focusing, and
widerareaofinspection.
Inpractice,thiselectronicsweepingisdoneinrealtimesoalivepart
cross section can be continually viewed as the probe is physically
moved.Theactualcrosssectionrepresentsthetruedepthofreflectors
in thematerialas well astheactual position typicallyrelativetothe
frontoftheprobeassembly.Figure53isanimageofholesinatest
block made with a 5L64A2, 64element, 5 MHz linear phased array
66Chapter5 Olympus
probe.Theprobehasa0.6 mmpitch.
Inthisexample,theuserprogrammedthefocallawtouse16elements
toformanapertureandsequencedthestartingelementincrementsby
one. So aperture 1 consists of elements 1 through 16, aperture 2
consists of elements 2 through 17, aperture 3 consists of elements 3
through 18, and so on. This results in 49 individual waveforms that
are stacked to create the realtime, crosssectional view across the
probeslength.
Figure 5-3 Normal beam linear scanning
Theresultisanimagethatclearly showstherelativepositionofthe
three holes within the scan area (see Figure 54). The image is
displayed along with the Ascan waveform from a single selected
aperture, in this case the 30th aperture out of 49, formed from
elements3046,markedbytheusercontrolledbluecursor.Thisisthe
pointwherethebeamintersectsthesecondhole.

Figure 5-4 Normal beam linear scan
The vertical scale at the left edge of the screen indicates the depth or
distancetothereflectorrepresentedbyagivenpeakintheAscan.The
horizontal scale of the Ascan indicates relative echo amplitude. The
horizontalscaleunderthelinearscanimageshowsthereflectorposition
withrespecttotheleadingedgeoftheprobe,whilethecolorscaleonthe
rightedgeofthescreenrelatesimagecolortosignalamplitude.
Alternately,theinstrumentcanbesettodisplayanalllawsAscan,
which is a composite image of the waveforms from all apertures. In
this case, the Ascan includes the indications from all four holes
within the gated region. This is a particularly useful mode in zero
degree inspections, although itcan also beconfusing when working
with complex geometries that produce numerous echoes. In the
Figure 55example, thescreenshowsan alllaws Ascanin which
thesignalsfromallaperturesissummed,thusshowingallthreehole
indicationssimultaneously.
Figure 5-5 Normal beam linear scan image with all laws A-scan
68Chapter5 Olympus
YetanotherAscansourcemodeonsomemoreadvancedinstruments
allows the Ascan to be sourced from the first or maximum signal
withinthegatedregion.
5.3 Angle Beam Linear Scans

Alinearscancanalsobeprogrammedatasinglefixedangle,much
like the beam from a conventional singleelement angle beam
transducer. This singleangle beam scans across the length of the
probe, allowing the user to test a larger volume of material without
movingtheprobe(Figure56).Thiscancutinspectiontime,especially
in weld scanning applications, where the entire volume of the weld
canbetestedwithaprobeatafixedstandoffdistance.
Active group
16
1 128
Scanning direction
Figure 5-6 Single-angle beam scanning across the length of the probe
In the example of Figure 57, the beam is sweeping across the test
pieceata45 degreeangle,interceptingeachofthreeholesasitmoves
(top).Thebeamindexpoint(BIP),thepointatwhichthesoundenergy
exitsthewedge,alsomovesfromlefttorightineachscansequence.
TheAscandisplay,atanygivenmoment,representstheechopattern
fromagivenaperture,whiletheSscanshowsthesummedviewfrom
allthebeampositions(bottom).

Figure 5-7 Angle beam linear scan (top), with A-scan and linear scan display
(bottom)
In any angle scan not involving very thick materials, it is also

necessarytoconsidertheactualpositionofreflectorsthatfallbeyond
thefirstleg,thepointatwhichthebeamfirstreflectsfromthebottom
ofthetestpiece.Thisisusuallyafactorintestsinvolvingtypicalpipes
orplates.InthecaseofFigure58,asthebeamscansfromlefttoright,
the beam component from the center of the probe reflects off the
bottomofthesteelplateandhitsthereferenceholeinthesecondleg.
70Chapter5 Olympus
Figure 5-8 Measurement to second leg reflector
The screen display has been setup to show,by meansof the dotted
horizontalcursors,thepositionsoftheendofthefirstlegandtheend
ofthesecondlegontheimage.Thus,thisholeindication,whichfalls
between the two horizontal cursors, is identified as being in the
second beam leg. Note that the depth scale on the left edge of the
screenisaccurateonlyforthefirstleg.Tousethescalebeyondthat,it
would be necessary to subtract the test piece thickness (in this case
25 mm)todeterminethedepthofsecondlegindicators,ortwicethe
testpiecethicknessforthirdlegindicators.Mostinstrumentsareable
todothisautomaticallyanddisplaytheresult,asnotedinchapter 4.

5.4 S-Scan Display Examples
InthecaseofSscans,interpretationcanbemorecomplexbecauseof
the possibility of multiple leg signals that have reflected off the
bottom and top of the test piece. In the first leg (the portion of the
sound path between the entry point and the first bounce off the
bottom of the part), the display is a simple crosssectional view of a
wedgeshaped segment of the test piece. However, beyond the first
leg, the display requires more careful interpretation, as it also does
whenusingaconventionalflawdetector.
A conventional flaw detector, used with common angle beam

assemblies, displays a singleangle Ascan. Modern digital
instrumentsusetrigonometriccalculationbasedonmeasuredsound
path lengths and programmed part thicknesses to calculate the
reflector depth and surface distance. Part geometry might create
simultaneous firstleg and secondleg indications on the screen, as
seen here in Figure 59 with a 5 MHz transducer and a 45 degree
wedge.Inthiscase,aportionofthebeamreflectsoffthenotchonthe
bottomofthepartandaportionreflectsupwardandofftheupperleft
cornerof the block. Legindicators and distancecalculators can then
beusedtoconfirmthepositionofareflector(seeFigure510).
Figure 5-9 Conventional angle beam test
The firstleg indication is a large reflection from the notch on the

bottomofthetestblock.InFigure510,thedepthindicator(upperleft
cornerofscreenimage)showsavaluecorrespondingtothebottomof
a 25 mm thick block, and the leg indicator (lowerright corner of
screenimage)showsthatthisisafirstlegsignal.
72Chapter5 Olympus
Figure 5-10 First-leg indication
Thesecondlegindicationisasmallreflectionfromtheuppercorner
of the block. In Figure 511, the depth indicator shows a value
correspondingtothetopofa25 mmthickblock,andthelegindicator
shows that this is a secondleg signal. (The slight variation in depth
andsurfacedistancemeasurementsfromtheexpectednominalvalues
of0 mmand50 mmrespectively,isduetobeamspreadingeffects.)
Figure 5-11 Second-leg indication
When the same test is performed with a 5 MHz phased array probe
assemblyscanningfrom40to70 degrees,thedisplayshowsanSscan

that is plotted from the range of angles, while the accompanying
Ascan typically represents one selected angular component of the
scan.Trigonometriccalculationusesthemeasuredsoundpathlength
and programmed part thickness to calculate the reflector depth and
surfacedistanceateachangle.Inthistypeoftest,partgeometrymight
createsimultaneousfirstlegandsecondlegindicationsonthescreen
aswellasmultiplereflectorsfromasingleangle.Legindicatorsinthe
form of horizontal lines overlayed on the waveform and image
segment the screen into first, second, and third leg regions, while
distancecalculatorshelpconfirmthepositionofareflector.
IntheFigure512,Figure513,andFigure514Sscanexamples,we
seethreeindicationsfromasingleprobepositionasthebeamsweeps
through a 40 degree to 70 degree scan. The 58 degree beam
component creates a reflection from the notch on the bottom of the
testblockandafirstlegindication.The69 degreecomponentreflects
from the bottom corner of the block, creating another firstleg
indication. Meanwhile, the 42 degree component bounces off the
bottom and top surfaces of the block and creates another reflection
fromthebottomcorner,thatonebeingthethirdleg.
Figure 5-12 The 58 beam component
74Chapter5 Olympus

5.5 Interpreting Reflector Positioning

Phased array instruments, like quality conventional ultrasonic flaw
detectors, offer software tools for identifying the position of defects
andotherreflectors.Typically,theseinstrumentslocate:(1) areflector
in terms of its horizontal position with respect to the probe; (2) its
depth with respect to the material surface; and (3) the sound path
distancebetweenthebeamindexpointandthereflector.Inaddition,
when skip paths are employed, the instrument should identify the
skipleginwhichthereflectoroccurs.
First,itisimportanttorememberthatthebeamindexpoint(thepoint
at which the center of the sound beam exits the wedge) is a fixed
locationforaconventionalwedge(Figure515a),andamovingpoint
forphasedarraywedges(Figure515b).Inthecaseoflinearscans,the
beamindexpointmovesprogressivelyalongthelengthoftheprobe
as the scan progresses. In the case of Sscans, different angular
componentsexitthewedgeatdifferentpoints.
76Chapter5 Olympus
a b
Figure 5-15 Beam index points on a conventional wedge (a) and phased array
wedge (b)
Conventionalflawdetectorsnormallyusethesinglebeamindexpoint
of the wedge as the reference from which depths and distances are
calculated.Becausethebeam indexpointofaphasedarrayprobe is
variable,acommonwayofreferencingaflawpositionisinrelationto
the front edge of the wedge rather than the BIP. The dimensions
shown in Figure 516 can then be calculated from the beam
information:
RA
PA
DA
SA
Figure 5-16 Dimensions for referencing a flaw position
DA = depthofthereflectorinGate A
PA = forwardpositionofthereflectorwithrespecttothetipof
thewedge
RA = horizontal distance between the wedge reference point
andthereflector
SA = soundpathlengthtothereflector
Inthisdisplayformat,thetransitionbetweenthefirstandsecondleg
andsecondandthirdlegregionsofthedisplay,ismarkedbydotted
horizontal lines. In the example below, the bottomcorner reflector
occursatthetransitionbetweenthefirstandsecondlegzones(Figure
517), and the topcorner reflector is at the transition between the

secondandthirdlegs(Figure518).Inaddition,thepositionreadouts
atthetopofthescreenshowthereflectorslocation.
Figure 5-17 Bottom corner reflector
Figure 5-18 Top corner reflector
Inasense,thescreenimageprojectsthesecondlegasacontinuation
of the beam in a straight direction. While the beam actually reflects
upwardfromthebottomofthetestpiece,thescreenimagedisplaysit
asifthebeamweretocontinuealongthesameaxis(seeFigure519).
78Chapter5 Olympus
Top
B0 Bottom
45
T1 Top
Figure 5-19 Display of the second leg compared to the path in the test piece

Appendix A: Constants and Useful
Formula Tables
Table A-1 Main ultrasonic parameters and their definition or relationship
Parameter Definition/formula/units/remarks
E1 0.5
v L = ------------------------------------------ [m/s;mm/s;in./s]
1 + 1 2
where:
Longitudinal E=modulusofelasticity(Youngsmodulus)
(compression)
[N/m2]
velocity
(TableA2) =massdensity[kg/m3]
E 2G
=Poissonsratio; = ----------------------
2G
G=shearmodulus[N/m2]
Transverse E 0.5
(shear)velocity v T = ------------------------
2 1 +
[m/s;mm/s;in./s]
(TableA2)
Rayleigh 0.87 + 1.12

v R = ------------------------------------ v T [m/s;mm/s;in./s]
velocity 1 +
n
f = --- ;numberofoscillationsinaspecifictime
t
10 6
Frequency interval; MHz = 10 6 Hz = -------- ;
s
c
also: f = ---

v PL
= -- ;also: = -------- [mm/in.]
f CN
Wavelength
(TableA3) PL=pulselength( v 20 dB ) [mm/in.]
CN=cyclenumber
Olympus ConstantsandUsefulFormulaTables81

Table A-1 Main ultrasonic parameters and their definition or relationship (continued)
D2 2 D2 f
Nearfield N 0 = ------------------------ ; N 0 = --------- [mm/in.]for
4 4v
length
D
(circular) ---- 10
[seeTableA4]
D=activecrystaldiameter [mm/in.]
Nearfield k L2 f
length N rectangular = ---------------- [mm/in.]
(rectangular) 4v
[seeTableA5]
D2 f cos 2
N eff = ---------- -------------- [mm/in.]
4v cos
fordiscshapedcrystal;
L probe cos 2
k ----------------------------- f L
cos wedge v wedge
N eff = ------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------
4v test piece v test piece
forrectangularprobeonwedge;
Nearfield D=activecrystaldiameter[mm/in.]
length =incident(wedge)angle[]
(effective)
=refractedangleintestpiece[]
L=crystallength[mm/in.]
Lwedge=UTpathinwedge[mm/in.]
vwedge=velocityinthewedge[m/s;mm/s;
in./s]
vtestpiece=velocityinthetestpiece[m/s;
mm/s;in./s]
k=nearfieldcorrectionfactor
2k free-field z
dB = -------------------------------- [1][mm/in.]
D
Beamdiameter
(circular) z=UTpath[mm/in.];
z
(6 dB) PE = ------
D
2k free-field z
Beamwidth dB W = -------------------------------- [mm/in.]
W
(rectangular)
W=crystalwidth [mm/in.]
82AppendixA Olympus
Table A-1 Main ultrasonic parameters and their definition or relationship (continued)
Beamlength 2k free-field z
(rectangular) dB L = -------------------------------- [mm/in.]
L
k dB
dB = asin ------------------- [rad/];
D
Halfangle
0.5
beam (3 dB) free field = (6 dB) pulse-echo -----------
divergence D
(circular) [rad / ]
kdB=halfanglebeamdivergence
constant[1]
Halfangle (6 dB)L = asin 0.44 L [rad/]
beam
divergence (6 dB)W = asin 0.44 W [rad/]
(rectangular)
Z = v [kg/m2s=Rayl]
Acoustic
impedance (generally106 [MRayl])
[seeTableA2]
Reflection Z2 Z1
R = ------------------------
coefficient Z1 + Z2
Transmission 2Z2
T = ------------------------
coefficient Z1 + Z2
Transmission 4Z 1 Z 2
G transmission = 10 log 10 --------------------------- [dB]
loss Z1 + Z2 2
sin v1
Snellslaw ----------- = -----
sin v2

Table A-2 Acoustic properties of materials
Longitudinal Acoustic
Shearvelocity
MATERIAL velocity impedance
in./s m/s in./s m/s kg/m2s106
Acrylicresin
0.107 2,730 0.056 1,430 3.22
(Perspex)
Aluminum 0.249 6,320 0.123 3,130 17.06
Beryllium 0.508 12,900 0.350 8,880 23.50
Brass,naval 0.174 4,430 0.083 2,120 37.30
Copper 0.183 4,660 0.089 2,260 41.61
Diamond 0.709 18,000 0.485 12,320 63.35
Glycerin 0.076 1,920 2.42
Inconel 0.229 5,820 0.119 3,020 49.47
Iron,cast
0.138 3,500 0.087 2,200 25.00
(slow/soft)
Iron,cast
0.220 5,600 0.126 3,200 40.00
(fast/hard)
Ironoxide
0.232 5,890 0.128 3,250 30.70
(magnetite)
Lead 0.085 2,160 0.028 700 24.29
Lucite 0.106 2,680 0.050 1,260 3.16
Molybdenum 0.246 6,250 0.132 3,350 63.75
Motoroil
0.069 1,740 1.51
(SAE20/30)
Nickel,pure 0.222 5,630 0.117 2,960 49.99
Polyamide(slow) 0.087 2,200 0.043 1,100 2.40
Polyamide
0.102 2,600 0.047 1,200 3.10
(nylon,fast)
Polyethylene,high
0.097 2,460 0.051 1,295 2.36
density(HDPE)
Polyethylene,low
0.082 2,080 0.025 645 1.91
density(LDPE)
Polystyrene 0.092 2,340 0.046 1,160 2.47
Polyvinylchloride
0.094 2,395 0.042 1,060 3.35
(PVC,hard)
Rexolite 0.092 2,330 0.045 1,155 2.47
Rubber
0.063 1,610 2.43
(polybutadiene)
Silicon 0.379 9,620 0.206 5,230 22.50
Silicone 0.058 1,485 1.56
Steel,1020 0.232 5,890 0.128 3,240 45.41
Steel,4340 0.230 5,850 0.128 3,240 45.63
Steel,302
0.223 5,660 0.123 3,120 45.45
austeniticstainless
Steel,347
0.226 5,740 0.122 3,090 45.40
austeniticstainless
Tin 0.131 3,320 0.066 1,670 24.20
Titanium,Ti150A 0.240 6,100 0.123 3,120 27.69
Tungsten 0.204 5,180 0.113 2,870 99.72
Water(20 C) 0.058 1,480 1.48
Zinc 0.164 4,170 0.095 2,410 29.61
Zirconium 0.183 4,650 0.089 2,250 30.13
84AppendixA Olympus
Table A-3 Wavelength for the most commonly used and tested materials in industrial
UT inspection
Wavelength
Frequency
Lwaves Swaves
[MHz]
[mm] [in.] [mm] [in.]
Water[couplant]
1 1.5 0.059
2 0.75 0.030
4 0.4 0.016
5 0.3 0.012
10 0.15 0.006
Glycerin(Hamikleer)[couplant]
1 1.9 0.075
2 0.95 0.037
4 0.48 0.019
5 0.38 0.015
10 0.19 0.008
Plexiglas[wedge]
1 2.7 0.106
2 1.35 0.053
4 0.75 0.030
5 0.54 0.021
10 0.27 0.011
Rexolite[wedge]
1 2.3 0.091
2 1.15 0.045
4 0.58 0.023
5 0.46 0.018
10 0.23 0.009
Steel[testpiece]
1 5.9 0.232 3.2 0.126
2 3 0.118 1.6 0.063
4 1.5 0.059 0.8 0.032
5 1.2 0.047 0.6 0.024
10 0.6 0.024 0.3 0.012
Aluminum[testpiece]
1 6.1 0.240 3 0.118
2 3 0.118 1.5 0.059
4 1.5 0.059 0.8 0.032
5 1.2 0.047 0.6 0.024
10 0.6 0.024 0.3 0.012

Table A-4 Near-field length for circular crystal (in millimeters)
Frequency
Crystaldiameter[mm]
[MHz]
5 6 10 12 20 24
Water;LW;v=1.5 mm/s
1 4.2 6 17 24 68 96
2 8.4 12 34 48 136 192
4 17 24 68 96 272 384
5 21 30 85 120 340 480
10 42 60 170 240 680 920
Steel;LW;v=5.9 mm/s
1 1 1.5 4 6 16 24
2 2 3 8 12 32 48
4 4 6 16 24 64 96
5 5 7. 20 30 80 120
10 10 15 40 60 160 240
Steel;SW;v=3.2 mm/s
1 2 3 8 12 32 48
2 4 6 16 24 64 96
4 8 12 32 48 128 192
5 10 15 40 60 160 240
10 20 30 80 120 320 480
Copper;LW;v=4.7 mm/s
1 1.3 2 5 8 20 32
2 2.6 4 10 16 40 64
4 5 8 20 32 80 128
5 6.5 10 26 40 104 160
10 13 20 52 80 208 320
Aluminum;LW;v=6.3 mm/s
1 1 1.4 4 6 16 24
2 2 3 8 12 32 48
4 4 6 16 24 64 96
5 5 7 20 30 80 120
10 10 14 40 60 160 240
Table A-5 Near-field length (mm mm) and half-angle divergence beam at 6 dB []
of rectangular crystals shear waves in steel (v = 3,250 m/s)
Frequency 66 89 1616 2022

[MHz] N0 N0 N0 N0
1 N/A N/A 8 10 32 5 45 4
2 9 6 15 5 64 2.5 90 2
4 N/A N/A 30 2.5 128 1.2 180 1
5 20 2.5 40 2 160 1 225 0.8
86AppendixA Olympus
Appendix B: Unit Conversion
This appendix provides the metricUScustomary conversions for

unitsusedinthisguide.
Table B-1 Conversion from metric to US customary units
Measure Metricunit US customaryunit
=39.37 mils
1 mm
=0.03937 in.
Length 1 cm =0.3937 in.
=39.37 in.
1m
=3.28 ft
1 cm2 =0.155 in.2

Area
1 m2 =10.7639 ft2
1 mm/s =0.03937 in./s

Velocity =3.28 ft/s
1 m/s
=196.85 ft/min
1g =0.03527 oz
Mass =35.2739 oz
1 kg
=2.20462 lb
Massdensity 1 kg/m3 =0.062428 lb/ft3
Acoustic =0.001423 lb/in.2s

impedance 1 kg/m2s
=0.204816 lb/ft2s
C =(5/9)(F32)
Temperature
(C1.8)+32 =F
Olympus UnitConversion87

Appendix C: Support and Training
Support
Olympus offers the opportunity to participate in a Webhosted
discussionforum.TheexpertsthatcontributedtoPhasedArrayTesting:
BasicTheoryforIndustrialApplicationsguideareonlinetoansweryour
questions and post added information concerning phased array
technologyanditspracticalapplications.
Feel free to browse this vast source of information, post your own
questions,andcontributetothiscollectiveproject.
YouwillfindtheWebsiteforumlinkatthefollowingaddress:
www.olympusims.com/en/forum/
Training
The Olympus IMS Web site at www.olympusims.com contains a
wide variety of information designed to help users of phased array
products and other Olympus inspection and maintenance
instruments.
Informationonbothintroductoryandadvancedphasedarraytraining
classesareofferedbyOlympustrainingpartnersatlocationsaround
theworld.Theseclassesofferhandsontrainingandspecificproblem
solving cases in addition to a review of basic theory. Details can be
foundat:
Homepage>Support>TrainingAcademy
Wealsoofferaninteractiveselfstudytutorialthatcoversbasicphased
arraytheory,foundat:
Homepage>Knowledge>PhasedArray>PhasedArrayTutorial
Webinarscoveringseveralrelatedtechnicalsubjectscanbeviewedat:
Homepage>Knowledge>PhasedArray>Webinars
TheApplicationNotessectionoftheOlympus IMSWebsiteincludes
a number of documents describing specific phased array test
Olympus SupportandTraining89

applications.Thesecanbeviewedat:
Homepage>Applications
Finally, you can obtain further information regarding Olympus

nondestructive testing equipment, publications, applications, and
technicalsupportbyfillingouttheApplicationsSupportformfoundat:
Homepage>Applications>ApplicationsSupport
90AppendixC Olympus
Appendix D: Types of Equipment

Available
As with other categories of ultrasonic test equipment, phased array

systems are available in a variety of models with increasing
complexityandcapability.Instrumentsrangefrombasicmodelsthat
perform simple sector and linear scans with 16element probes to
advanced systems that offer multichannel capability and advanced
interpretivesoftwarewithprobesofupto256elements.
Olympus has a complete NDT portfolio. For more information,

consulttheWebsiteatthefollowingaddress:
www.olympusims.com
Thisappendixpresentsanoverviewofthefollowingequipment:
EPOCH 1000 Series Advanced Ultrasonic Flaw Detectors with

PhasedArrayImaging
OmniScan Series Modular Advanced Flaw Detectors with UT,
PA,EC,andECATechnologies
TomoScanFOCUSLTPowerful,Flexible,andCompactUTData
AcquisitionSystem
TomoViewUTDataAcquisitionandAnalysisSoftware
Olympus TypesofEquipmentAvailable91

D.1 EPOCH 1000 Series Advanced Ultrasonic
Flaw Detectors with Phased Array Imaging
The EPOCH 1000 flaw detectors combine the highest level of
performanceforconventionalportableflawdetectionwiththepower
ofphasedarrayimaging.TheEPOCH1000,1000iR,and1000ifeature
a horizontal case style with full VGA display, knob, and navigation
arrows for parameter adjustment, and full EN126681 compliance.
The advanced conventional ultrasonic functionality of the
EPOCH 1000seriesisaugmentedintheEPOCH 1000i(seethefigure
below)withphasedarrayimagingcapabilities.
Key Features
AvailablewithPhasedArrayImagingpackage
EN126681compliant
37digitalreceiverfilterselections
6 kHzpulserepetitionrateforhighspeedscanning
Automaticphasedarrayproberecognition
Intuitivewedgedelayandsensitivitycalibrationforallfocallaws
Programmableanalog/alarmoutputs
IP66environmentalratingforharshenvironments
Horizontal design with navigation panel and knob parameter
adjustment
Digitalhighdynamicrangereceiver
FullVGAsunlightreadabledisplay
ClearWaveVisualEnhancementpackageforconventionalAscan
interpretation
Sureviewvisualizationfeature
Referenceandmeasurementcursors
StandarddynamicDAC/TVG
StandardonboardDGS/AVG
92AppendixD Olympus
D.2 OmniScan Series Modular Advanced

Flaw Detectors with UT, PA, EC, and ECA
Technologies
With thousands of units being used throughout the world, the
OmniScan series (see the figure below) is Olympus NDTs most
successfulportableandmodularphasedarrayandeddycurrentarray
testinstrument.TheOmniScanfamilyincludestheinnovativephased
arrayandeddycurrentarraytestmodules,aswellastheconventional
eddycurrentandultrasoundmodules,alldesignedtomeetthemost
demandingNDTrequirements.
The OmniScan offers a high acquisition rate and powerful software

features in a portable, modular instrument that efficiently performs
manualandautomatedinspections.
MX2 Key Features

Rugged,portable,andbatteryoperated
Compactandlightweight(only5 kg /11 lb)
10.4 inchrealtimedisplay(60 HzAscanrefreshrate)withSVGA
resolutionof800 600
Phased array module and software: 16:64, 16:64M, 16:128, 32:32,
32:128,and32:128PRphasedarraymodules
FullfeaturedAscan,Bscan,Cscan,andstripchartdisplays
Fullfeaturedsectorialscan
Realtimevolumecorrectedrepresentation
Advancedrealtimedataprocessing
Realtime data interpolation to improve spatial representation of
defectsduringacquisitionofdata
UserselectablehighpassandlowpassfiltersforenhancedAscan
andimagingquality
Wizardsforgroupsandfocallaws

D.3 TomoScan FOCUS LT Powerful, Flexible,
and Compact UT Data Acquisition System
The TomoScan FOCUS LT (see the figure below) is designed for
your most demanding automated UT inspection needs. This new
benchmarkofultrasoundphasedarrayinstrumentsoffersexceptional
performance forbothconventionalUT andultrasoundphased array
withmultipleprobeconfigurations.
The TomoScan FOCUS LT offers a lighter, more compact, and even

more reliable solution to your most advanced inspection
requirements. The TomoScan FOCUS LT is also available in a 3U
rackmountversion.
Key Features
Fullfeatured PCbased software for data acquisition and analysis
(TomoView)
Multiplechannelsorphasedarrayprobeconfiguration
Combined phased array and conventional UT configuration
(TOFD+P/E)
Filesizeofupto1 GB
Fast100BaseTdatatransfer(4 MB/s)
Configurationofupto64:128
Pulserepetitionrate(PRF)upto20 kHz
Realtimedatacompressionandsignalaveraging
Interfacetoexternalmotorcontrollerandscanners
94AppendixD Olympus
D.4 TomoView UT Data Acquisition and

Analysis Software
TomoView is a PCbased software for data acquisition and
visualization of ultrasonic signals. Configuration of ultrasonic
parametersisflexibleanddifferentviewscanbedisplayedensuringit
canbeusedinalargevarietyofapplicationsfromindustrialneedsto
research purposes. TomoView is designed to perform ultrasonic
testing(UT)dataacquisitionwithseveralOlympusphasedarray(PA)
orconventionalUTunits.
Compatible with Microsoft Windows, XP, Windows Vista, and Win

dows7,TomoViewcanrunefficientlyonstandardlaptopcomputers
aswellasonhighenddesktopworkstations,anditiscapableofhan
dlinglargedatafiles(upto1 GB).ItsabilitytoreadOmniScan(.oud,
.opd) data files and its userfriendly reporting capabilities make
TomoViewanidealtoolforinterpretingOmniScandata.
PowerfultoolforUTdata
Acquisitionandanalysis
Flexibledataimaging
Easy,comprehensivereporting
PerfectcomplementtotheOmniScan
OfflineanalysisofA,B,C,D,andS(sectorial)scans
Measurementutilities,zooming,andcustomizablecolorpalettes
CompatiblewiththeAdvancedFocalLawCalculator
In addition to the full TomoView software program, Olympus also
offersTomoViewLiteandTomoVIEWER.
TomoView Lite is a version of TomoView primarily designed for

OmniScan data file analysis. It incorporates the main TomoView
features such as volumetric views, merged views, and a multigroup
display.
TomoVIEWERisafreesoftwareforphasedarrayandultrasonicdata
viewing.Thissoftwareprovidestheabilitytoloaddatafilesgenerated
byTomoVieworOmniScanPAandUTsoftware.

Phased Array Glossary
Ascan
Anultrasonicwaveformplottedasamplitudewithrespecttotime.
Itcanbeeitherrectifiedorunrectified(RF).
Anglecorrectedgain(ACG)
This is the gain compensation applied to an Sscan to normalize
reflectedresponsefromaspecifictargetateachanglecomprising
theSscan.
Apodization
A computercontrolled function that applies lower excitation
voltagetotheoutsideelementsofanarrayinordertoreducethe
amplitudeofunwantedsidelobes.
Aperture
In phased array testing, the width of the element or group of
elementspulsedsimultaneously.
Azimuthalscan
An alternate term for Sscan. It is a twodimensional view of all
amplitudeandtimeordepthdatafromallfocallawsofaphased
arrayprobe,correctedfordelayandrefractedangle.Inaddition,an
Sscan also refers to the action of sweeping the beam through a
rangeofangles.
Bscan
A twodimensional image of ultrasonic data plotted as reflector
depth or distance with respect to beam position. Bscans can be
eithersinglevalueorcrosssectional.
Bscan,crosssectional
A twodimensional image of ultrasonic data based on full
waveformstorageateachdatapoint,whichcanbeplottedtoshow
allreflectors in a crosssectionratherthan justthefirst or largest.
This allows visualization of both near and farsurface reflectors
withinthesample.
Bscan,singlevalue
A twodimensional image based on plotting the first or largest
reflectorwithinagate.Thisformatiscommonlyusedinultrasonic
Olympus PhasedArrayGlossary97

flaw detectors and advanced thickness gages, and it shows one
reflectorateachdatapoint.
Bandwidth
The portion of the frequency response that falls within specified
amplitude limits. In this context, it should be noted that typical
NDT transducers do not generate sound waves at a single pure
frequency, but rather over a range of frequencies centered at the
nominalfrequencydesignation.Theindustrystandardistospecify
thisbandwidthatthe6 dB(orhalfamplitude)point.Asageneral
rule,abroaderbandwidthresultsinabetternearsurfaceandaxial
resolution, while a narrow bandwidth results in a higher energy
outputandthushighersensitivity.
Beamforming
In phased array testing, the generation of a sound beam at a
particularposition,angle,and/orfocusthroughsequentialpulsing
oftheelementsofanarrayprobe.
Beamspreadangle
Theangleofdivergencefromthecenterlineofasoundbeaminits
farfield.
Beamsteering
The capability to modify the refracted angle of the sound beam
generatedbyaphasedarrayprobe.
Calibration,sensitivity
A procedure that electronically equalizes amplitude response
acrossallbeamcomponentsinaphasedarrayscan.Thistypically
compensates for both elementtoelement sensitivity variations,
andthevaryingenergytransferatdifferentrefractedangles.
Calibration,wedgedelay
A procedure that electronically compensates for the different
soundpathstakenbydifferentbeamcomponentsinawedge,used
tonormalizethemeasurepathlengthtoareflector.
Cscan
A twodimensional view of ultrasonic amplitude or time/depth
datadisplayedasatopviewofthetestpiece.
Escan
AlsotermedanElectronicscan,sweptindexpoint,orelectronicraster
scanning. In some industries, an Escan is referred to as a linear
scanorlinearelectronicscan.Theabilitytomove theacoustic
beam along array without any mechanical movement. The
equivalent focal law is multiplexed across a group of active
elements;Escansareperformedataconstantangleandalongthe
phased array probe length. For angle beam scans, the focal laws
typicallycompensateforthechangeinwedgethickness.
98PhasedArrayGlossary Olympus
Farfield
The portion of a sound beam beyond the last onaxis pressure
maximum.Beamspreadingoccursinthefarfield.
Focallaws
The programmed pattern of time delays applied to pulsing and
receivingfromtheindividualelementsofanarrayprobeinorder
tosteerand/orfocustheresultingsoundbeamandechoresponse.
Focus
In ultrasonics, the point at which a sound beam converges to
minimum diameter and maximum sound pressure, and beyond
whichthebeamdiverges.
Gratinglobes
Spuriouscomponentsofasoundbeamdivergingtothesidesofthe
center of energy, caused by even sampling across the probe
elements.Gratinglobesoccuronlywithphasedarrayprobesand
arecausedbyraycomponentsassociatedwiththeregular,periodic
spacingofthesmallindividualelements.SeealsoSidelobes.
Huygensprinciple
Amathematicalmodelofwavebehaviorthatstatesthateachpoint
on an advancing wave front may be thought of as a point source
thatlaunchesanewsphericalwave,andthattheresultingunified
wavefrontisthesumofthoseindividualsphericalwaves.
Linearscan
Theabilitytomovetheacousticbeamalongthemajoraxisofthe
arraywithoutanymechanicalmovement.Theequivalentfocallaw
is multiplexed across a group of active elements; linear scans are
performed at a constant angle and along the phased array probe
length.Foranglebeamscans,thefocallawstypicallycompensate
forthechangeinwedgethickness.Insomeindustriesthistermis
usedtodescribeaonelinescan.
Nearfield
Theportionofasoundbeambetweenthetransducerandthelast
onaxis sound pressure peak. Transducers can be focused only in
thenearfield.
Onelinescan
Asinglepassmechanicalscanofaphasedarrayprobeparalleltoa
weldorregiontobeinspected.Typicallydonewithalineararray
probetocreateaCscanlikeimageofamplitudeordepthdataasa
function of electronic aperture positions versus mechanical
positions.
Phasedarray
A multielement ultrasonic probe (typically with 16, 32, or 64
elements) used to generate steered beams by means of phased
pulsingandreceiving.

Phasing
The interaction of two or more waves of the same frequency but
withdifferenttimedelays,whichcouldresultineitherconstructive
ordestructiveinterference.
Pitch
The separation between individual elements in a phased array
probe.
Plane,active
Theorientationparalleltothephasedarrayprobeaxisconsistingof
multipleelements.
Plane,passive
Theorientationparalleltotheindividualelementlengthorprobe
width.
Plane,steering
Theorientationinwhichthebeamdirectionisvariedforaphased
arrayprobe.
Pulseduration
Thetimeintervalbetweenthepointatwhichtheleadingedgeofa
waveform reaches a specified amplitude (typically 20 dB with
respect to peak) to the point at which the trailing edge of the
waveform reaches the same amplitude. A broader bandwidth
typicallyreducesthepulseduration,whileanarrowerbandwidth
increasesit.Pulsedurationishighlydependentonpulsersettings.
Resolution,angular
In phased array systems, the angular resolution is the minimum
angularvaluebetweentwoAscanswhereadjacentdefectslocated
atthesamedepthareindividuallyresolvable.
Resolution,axial
The minimum depth separation between two specified reflectors
thatpermitsthediscreteidentificationofeach.Ahigherfrequency
and/orahigherbandwidthgenerallyincreasesaxialseparation.
Resolution,farsurface
The minimum distance from the backwall surface at which a
specifiedreflectorhasanechoamplitudeatleast6 dBgreaterthan
theleadingedgeofthebackwallecho.Moregenerally,theclosest
distance from the backwall surface at which a reflector can be
identified.
Resolution,lateral
Inphasedarraysystems,theminimumlateralseparationbetween
two specified reflectors that permits the discrete identification of
each.Thisisrelatedtoboththedesignofthearrayprobeandthe
selectedfocallawprogramming.
100PhasedArrayGlossary Olympus
Resolution,nearsurface
The minimum distance from the sound entry surface at which a
specifiedreflectorhasanechoamplitudeatleast6 dBgreaterthan
thetrailingedgesoftheexcitationpulse,delayline,orwedgeecho.
Moregenerally,theclosestdistancefromthesoundentrysurfaceat
which a reflector can be identified. The area above this point is
known as the dead zone, and it generally increases as gain
increases.
Sscan
Also termed a sectorial scan, swept angle scan, angular electronic
scanning, or azimuthal scan. A twodimensional view of all
amplitudeandtimeordepthdatafromallfocallawsofaphased
array probe corrected for the delay and the refracted angle. In
addition,anSscanalsoreferstotheactionofsweepingthebeam
througharangeofangles.
Sidelobes
Spuriouscomponentsofasoundbeamdivergingtothesidesofthe
centerofenergy,producedbyacousticpressureleakingfromprobe
elements at different angles from the main lobe. Side lobes are
generatedbyalltypesofultrasonictransducers.SeealsoGrating
lobes.
Virtualaperture
Thecombinedwidthofagroupofphasedarrayelementsthatare
pulsedsimultaneously.

Selected References
1. Olympus NDT. Introduction to Phased Array Ultrasonic Technology

Applications: R/D Tech Guideline. Waltham, MA: Olympus NDT,
2007.xviii, 356 p.
2. Olympus NDT. Advances in Phased Array Ultrasonic Technology
Applications.Waltham,MA:Olympus NDT,2007.xvi, 394 p.
3. R/D Tech Corp. Phased Array Technical Guidelines: Useful Formulas,
Graphs,andExamples.Waltham,MA:R/D TechCorp.,2005.x, 186 p.
4. Olympus NDT. EPOCH 1000 Series: Users Manual. Document
number910269EN.Waltham,MA:Olympus NDT,February2009.
x, 358 p.
5. Olympus NDT. OmniScan MXUM Software: Users Manual.
Document number DMTA08101EN. Qubec, Canada: Olympus
NDT,October2009.x, 284 p.
6. Olympus NDT. TomoView: Users Manual. Document number
DMTA07901EN. Waltham, MA: Olympus NDT, November 2009.
viii, 160 p.
7. Olympus NDT.PhasedArrayProbesandWedges.Documentnumber
920165CEN.Waltham,MA:Olympus NDT,2009.24 p.
8. Olympus NDT.PanametricsUltrasonicTransducers:Wedges,Cables,
Test Blocks. Document number 920041DEN. Waltham, MA:
Olympus NDT,2009.ii, 50 p.
9. Davis,J. M.AdvancedUltrasonicFlawSizingHandbook.USA:TheArt
RoomCorporation,1998.38 p.
10.Krautkrmer, Josef, and Herbert Krautkrmer; in collaboration
with W. Grabendrfer [et al.]. Ultrasonic testing of materials.
TranslationbyJ. D.HislopinconsultationwithJ. Krautkrmer.4th
fullyrev.ed.Berlin;NewYork:SpringerVerlag,c1990.xvi, 677 p.
Olympus SelectedReferences103

Index
Numerics apodization,definition97
2Dmatrix7 appendixes
constantsandusefulformula
A tables81
ACG(anglecorrectedgain)59 supportandtraining89
definition97 typesofequipment91
acousticimpedance83,84 unitconversion87
acousticpropertiesofmaterials applications90
84 crackdetection10
acquisition,data48 weldinspection10
activeplane,definition100 ApplicationsSupport90
advancedinstruments94 array21
advantagesofphasedarrays10 circular~7
amplituderesponse64 Ascans38
anglebeaminspection64 data38,39(Fig. 31)
anglebeamlinearscans43 definition97
(Fig. 35),69 ASMESectionV59
image70(Fig. 57) aspectratioconstant14
anglebeamtest,conventional attenuation17
72(Fig. 59) coefficient17
angleofsoundbeamentry64 averaging49
angle,beamspread axialresolution,definition100
definition98 azimuthalscans3,101
angle,incident64 definition97
anglecorrectedgain(ACG)59
B
definition97
angledbeam9(Fig. 15) bandwidth
angledwaveform26(Fig. 222) definition98
angularandhorizontalcursors transducer~12
58(Fig. 46) basicsofphasedarrayimaging
angularcursor58(Fig. 45) 37
angularelectronicscanning101 beam
angularresolution,definition diameter82
100 divergence,halfanglebeam
annulararray7 83
aperture28 focusedsoundbeam31
definition97 (Fig. 226)
effective~29,29(Fig. 224) length83
virtual~28 width82
definition101
Olympus Index105

beamcomponent singlevalue~39
42~76(Fig. 514) definition97
58~74(Fig. 512)
C
69~75(Fig. 513)
beamfocusing31 calculator,focallaw8,27
withdifferentaperturesizes calibration
33(Fig. 227) methods59
beamforming sensitivity~98
definition98 wedgedelay~98
electronic~22 zero~59
beamindexpoint(BIP)57,64, channelspecifications52
69,76,77(Fig. 515) characteristics,probe21
beamlinearscanning,normal ChristiaanHuygens(physicist)
67(Fig. 53) 14
beamlinearscans,angle69 circulararray7
image70(Fig. 57) circularcrystal,nearfield
beamlinearscans,normal66 lengthfor86
image68(Fig. 54) circularmatrix7
beamprofiles12(Fig. 22) CN(cyclenumber)81
areasofenergy13(Fig. 23) coefficient,attenuation17
transducerbeamprofile12 coefficient,reflection18
withdifferentnumberofele combinedimageformats48
ments34(Fig. 228) compositeprobes22
beamscanning,singleangle69 compressionalstraightbeam
beamshapingandsteering27 testing64
elementsize28 constants81
frequency27 aspectratioconstant14
numberofelements28 conversion,mode19(Fig. 210),
pitchandaperture28 20
beamspread15(Fig. 25) conversion,unit87
angle15(Fig. 25) crackdetection10
definition98 crosssectionalBscans40,41
beamspreading14 (Fig. 33)
2.25 MHzelement16 definition97
(Fig. 28) crystal11
3 mmelement16(Fig. 26) nearfieldlengthforcircular
10 MHzelement17(Fig. 29) ~86
13 mmelement16(Fig. 27) crystals,rectangular
beamsteering10 divergencebeam86
definition98 nearfieldlength86
limits30(Fig. 225) Cscans3,43
BIP(beamindexpoint)57,64, data44(Fig. 36)
69,76,77(Fig. 515) definition98
bottomcornerreflector78 images10
(Fig. 517) cursors
Bscans angular58(Fig. 45)
crosssectional~40,41 angularandhorizontal58
(Fig. 33) (Fig. 46)
definition97 reference57
data40(Fig. 32) curvature,radiusof64
definition97 cyclenumber(CN)81
106Index Olympus
D Escan3
DAC61 definition98
SeealsoTVG F
dataacquisition48
farfield13
dataacquisitionandanalysis
definition99
software95
farsurfaceresolution,defini
data,Ascan38
tion100
density,mass()81
field,far13
diameter,beam82
definition99
digitalsamplingrate49
field,near13
dimensionalparametersofa
definition99
phasedarrayprobe23
files
(Fig. 218)
.opd95
dimensionsforreferencinga
.oud95
flawposition77
firstelementheightoffset64
(Fig. 516)
firstlegindication73(Fig. 510)
disadvantagesofphasedarrays
flawposition,referencing77
10
(Fig. 516)
displayformat63
focallaws64
displayspecifications51
calculator8,27
display,Sscan72
definition99
divergencebeam,rectangular
numberrequiredforlinear
crystal86
scans55
divergence,halfanglebeam83
sequences29(Fig. 223)
duration,pulse
setup66
definition100
specifications52
E FOCUSLT,TomoScan94
E(modulusofelasticity)81 keyfeatures94
effectiveaperture29,29 focus,definition99
(Fig. 224) focusedanglebeamlinearscan
elasticity(E),modulusof81 9(Fig. 16)
electronicbeamforming22 focusedsoundbeam31
electronicrasterscanning98 (Fig. 226)
electronicscan focusing,beam31
definition98 withdifferentaperturesizes
elementsize28 33(Fig. 227)
elements,numberof28 forming,beam
encodedlinearscans3 definition98
encoders39,48 formulas81
encoding57 Seealsospecificformulaentries
EPOCH1000series92 ultrasonicparameters81
keyfeatures92 forum,Website89
equipmenttypes91 frequency27,64,81
advancedinstruments94 probe~23
dataacquisitionandanalysis transducer~12
software95 transducer~range7
entrylevelportableinstru G
ments92
G(shearmodulus)81
generalpurposeportable
gainnormalization59
instruments93
responsefollowing~61
Olympus Index107

(Fig. 49) definition99
responsepriorto~60 sequences29(Fig. 223)
(Fig. 48) setup66
gapsindataacquisition49 specifications52
gate38 leg
glossary,phasedarray97 displayofthesecondleg79
gratinglobes33 (Fig. 519)
definition99 firstlegindication73
(Fig. 510)
H
secondlegindication73
halfanglebeamdivergence83 (Fig. 511)
heightoffset,firstelement64 length,beam83
horizontalandangularcursors length,nearfield82
58(Fig. 46) circularcrystal86
Huygens,Christiaan(physicist) rectangularcrystal86
14 lineararray7
Huygensprinciple14,26 linearscanning,normalbeam
definition99 67(Fig. 53)
I linearscans3,42
anglebeam~43(Fig. 35),69
imageformats,combined48
image70(Fig. 57)
imagetypes56
definition99
imaging,basicsofphasedarray
normalbeam66
37
image68(Fig. 54)
impedance,acoustic83,84
normalbeam~42(Fig. 34)
incidentangle64
numberoffocallaws55
indication
sequence56(Fig. 44)
firstleg~73(Fig. 510)
lobes,grating33
secondleg~73(Fig. 511)
definition99
inputsandoutputsspecifica
lobes,side33
tions52
definition101
instrumentsetup63
longitudinalvelocity81,84
material64
longitudinalwaves64
probe64
wedge64 M
instrumentation,phasedarray (Poissonsratio)81
51 massdensity()81
calibrationandnormaliza material64
tionmethods59 materials,acousticpropertiesof
importantspecifications51 84
interferenceeffects26(Fig. 221) matrix,2D7
interferencepattern6(Fig. 11) matrix,circular7
interpretingreflectorposition measurementspecifications51
ing76 measurementtosecondleg
introductiontophasedarray reflector71(Fig. 58)
testing5 modeconversion19(Fig. 210),
L 20
atnonperpendicularbound
lateralresolution,definition100
aries18
law,Snells18,26,83
modulus(E),Youngs81
laws,focal64
modulus(G),shear81
calculator8,27
modulusofelasticity(E)81
108Index Olympus
multielementconstruction8 P
(Fig. 14) parameters
multigroupsupport56 dimensional~ofaphased
multipledisplayformats59 arrayprobe23
(Fig. 47) (Fig. 218)
multipleimagetypesdisplay48 probe65
(Fig. 310) ultrasonic~81
MX2keyfeatures93 wedge65,65(Fig. 52)
N partthickness64
passiveplane,definition100
namingconvention52
phaseshifting6
NDT(nondestructivetesting)5
phasedarray
nearfield13
definition99
definition99
displayformat63
nearfieldlength
glossary97
circular82
testsetup63
circularcrystal86
phasedarrayimaging,basicsof
effective82
37
rectangular82
phasedarrayinstrumentation
rectangularcrystal86
51
nearsurfaceresolution,defini
calibrationandnormaliza
tion101
tionmethods59
nondestructivetesting(NDT)5
importantspecifications51
normalbeamlinearscanimage
phasedarrayprobes7,11,21
withalllawsAscan68
(Fig. 215),22(Fig. 216)
(Fig. 55)
assemblies8(Fig. 13)
normalbeamlinearscanning67
crosssection22(Fig. 217)
(Fig. 53)
dimensionalparameters23
normalbeamlinearscans42
(Fig. 218)
(Fig. 34),66
selection34
image68(Fig. 54)
ultrasonicbeamcharacteris
normalizationmethods59
tics11
normalization,gain59
wedges24(Fig. 219)
responsefollowing~61
phasedarrayspecifications52
(Fig. 49)
channels52
responsepriorto~60
encoding57
(Fig. 48)
focallaws52
noteonterminology3
imagetypes56
numberofelements23,28,64
multigroupsupport56
O namingconvention52
offset,firstelementheight64 PRF/Displayupdaterate55
Offset,Zero64 proberecognition56
Olympus2 pulsers52
OmniScanseries93 referencecursors57
MX2keyfeatures93 waveformstorage56
onelinescans3,45,99 phasedarraysystem7
definition99 phasedarraytesting
forweldinspection45 advantagesofphasedarrays
(Fig. 37) 10
.opddatafiles95 disadvantagesofphased
.ouddatafiles95 arrays10
Olympus Index109

generalintroduction5 selection34
system7 ultrasonicbeamcharacteris
typesofequipment91 tics11
ultrasonicphasing8 wedges24(Fig. 219)
phasedarraywedges24 processingtime49
phasedarrays,usedformedical profiles,beam12(Fig. 22)
diagnostic6(Fig. 12) areasofenergy13(Fig. 23)
phasedpulsing25 transducerbeamprofile12
phasing6 withdifferentnumberofele
definition100 ments34(Fig. 228)
effects25(Fig. 221) propertiesofmaterials,acous
ultrasonic~8 tic84
piezoceramicprobes22 propertiesofsoundwavesSee
piezocomposite22 soundwaveproperties
piezoelectrictransducerele properties,transducer12
ment11 pulseduration,definition100
principle11(Fig. 21) pulselength(PL)81
pitch28,64 pulserepetitionfrequency
definition100 (PRF)49
PL(pulselength)81 pulserspecifications51,52
plane pulsing,phased25
active~,definition100
R
passive~,definition100
steering~,definition100 (massdensity)81
Poissonsratio()81 radiusofcurvature64
portableinstruments rate,digitalsampling49
entrylevel92 rate,PRF/Displayupdate55
generalpurpose93 rate,scan48
PRF(pulserepetitionfre ratioconstant,aspect14
quency)49 ratio,Poissons()81
PRF/Displayupdaterate55 ratio,signaltonoise10,27
principle,Huygens14,26 Rayleighvelocity81
definition99 receiverspecifications51
probe5 recognition,probe56
Seealsotransducer rectangularcrystals
characteristics21 divergencebeam86
composite22 nearfieldlength86
frequency23 rectangularelements15
instrumentsetup64 referencecursors57
numberofelements23 referencingaflawposition77
parameters65 (Fig. 516)
piezoceramic22 reflectionataperpendicular
recognition56 planeboundary17
sizeofelements23 reflectioncoefficient18,83
type23 reflectorpositioning,interpret
probes,phasedarray7,11,22 ing76
(Fig. 216) reflectors
assemblies8(Fig. 13) bottomcorner78(Fig. 517)
crosssection22(Fig. 217) topcorner78(Fig. 518)
dimensionalparameters23 refractedwave
(Fig. 218) 10incidentangle20
(Fig. 212)
110Index Olympus
30incidentangle20 sectorialscanning10
(Fig. 213) sectorialscans3,101
65incidentangle21 SeealsoSscans
(Fig. 214) selection,phasedarrayprobe34
refractionatnonperpendicular sensitivitycalibration98
boundaries18 sensitivity,transducer12
refraction,soundwave19 sequences,focallaw29
(Fig. 210) (Fig. 223)
relativeamplitudeofwave setup,focallaw66
modes19(Fig. 211) setup,instrument63
resolution material64
angular~,definition100 probe64
axial~,definition100 wedge64
farsurface~,definition100 setup,test63
lateral~,definition100 shaping,beam27
nearsurface~,definition101 elementsize28
response,amplitude64 frequency27
ring7 numberofelements28
pitchandaperture28
S
shearmodulus(G)81
samplingrate,digital49 shearvelocity84
scanrate48 shearwaves64
scanningspeedinfluenceon shifting,phase6
acquisitionrate49 sidelobes33
(Fig. 311) definition101
scanning,angularelectronic101 sidedrilledholes40
scanning,normalbeamlinear signaltonoiseratio10,27
67(Fig. 53) singlevalueBscans39
scanning,sectorial10 definition97
scans singleanglebeamscanning69
anglebeamlinear69 site,Web2,89,91
image70(Fig. 57) forum89
azimuthal3,101 sizeofelements,probe23
definition97 size,transducer12
encodedlinear3 sizing10
linear3,42 sizingoptions52
definition99 Snellslaw18,26,83
normalbeamlinear66 software
image68(Fig. 54) dataacquisitionandanalysis
oneline3,45,99 95
definition99 TomoView95
sector3 keyfeatures95
SeealsoSscans TomoViewLite95
sectorial3,101 TomoVIEWER95
SeealsoSscans soundattenuation17
SscansSeeSscans soundbeam,focused31
sweptangle3,101 (Fig. 226)
secondleg soundfield,transducer13
display79(Fig. 519) (Fig. 24)
indication73(Fig. 511) soundwave
sectorscans3 properties14
SeealsoSscans
Olympus Index111

refraction19(Fig. 210) T
specifications,phasedarray52 tables81
encoding57 acousticpropertiesofmateri
focallaws52 als84
imagetypes56 mainultrasonicparameters
multigroupsupport56 81
namingconvention52 nearfieldlength
numberofchannels52 circularcrystal86
numberofpulsers52 rectangularcrystal86
PRF/Displayupdaterate55 summaryofNuclearand
proberecognition56 ASMEterminology3
referencecursors57 unitconversion87
waveformstorage56 wavelength85
specifications,phasedarray TCG(timecorrectedgain)3,59,
instrumentation51 61
inputsandoutputs52 terminology,noteon3
measurementanddisplay51 testsetup63
pulserandreceiver51 testing,phasedarraySee
sizingoptions52 phasedarraytesting
spreadangle,beam thickness,part64
definition98 ThomasYoung(scientist)5
spreading,beam14 timecorrectedgain(TCG)3,59,
Sscanning10 61
Sscans3,46 timevariedgain(TVG)3
30to+3046(Fig. 38) TomoScanFOCUSLT94
35to+7047(Fig. 39) keyfeatures94
definition101 TomoViewLitesoftware95
display72 TomoViewsoftware95
steeringwith1 degreesteps keyfeatures95
53(Fig. 41) TomoVIEWERsoftware95
steeringwith2 degreesteps topcornerreflector78
54(Fig. 42) (Fig. 518)
steeringwith4 degreesteps training89
54(Fig. 43) TrainingAcademy89
steeringlimits,beam30 transducer5,7,11
(Fig. 225) Seealsoprobe
steeringplane,definition100 bandwidth12
steering,beam10,27 beamprofile12
definition98 beamspreadangle15
elementsize28 (Fig. 25)
frequency27 frequency12
numberofelements28 frequencyrange7
pitchandaperture28 interferenceeffects26
storage,waveform56 (Fig. 221)
strip7 principleofthepiezoelectric
subdicing34 ~element11(Fig. 21)
supportandtraining89 properties12
sweptanglescans3,101 sensitivity12
sweptindexpoint98 size12
system,phasedarray7 soundfield13(Fig. 24)
type12
112Index Olympus
waveformduration12 virtualaperture28
transmissionataperpendicular definition101
planeboundary17 volumetricinspections10
transmissioncoefficient83
W
transmissionloss83
transversevelocity81 waveform
tutorial89 angled~26(Fig. 222)
TVG(timevariedgain)3 display(Ascan)38
TVG/DAC61 storage56
type,probe23 transducer~duration12
type,transducer12 wavefront14
typesofequipment91 formation14
advancedinstruments94 wavelength81,85
dataacquisitionandanalysis Website2,89,91
software95 forum89
entrylevelportableinstru webinars89
ments92 wedge64
generalpurposeportable ~delaycalibration98
instruments93 parameters65,65(Fig. 52)
phasedarray24
U phasedarrayprobe24
ultrasonicbeamcharacteristics (Fig. 219)
11 zerodegree24
ultrasonicparameters81 weldinspection10
ultrasonicphasing8 width,beam82
unitconversion87
Y
V Young,Thomas(scientist)5
velocity64 Youngsmodulus(E)81
longitudinal81,84
Z
material64
mode64 zerocalibration59
Rayleigh81 ZeroOffset64
shear84 zerodegreewedge24
transverse81
Olympus Index113

PhasedArrayTesting:BasicTheoryforIndustrialApplications
Secondedition,February2012
Publishedby:Olympus NDT,48WoerdAvenue,Waltham,MA02453,USA.

NDT Field Guides
This Phased Array Testing field guide is designed as an easy-to-

follow introduction to ultrasonic phased array testing for both
newcomers and more experienced users who wish to review
basic principles. It explains what phased array testing is and
how it works, outlines considerations for selecting probes and
instruments, and references sources for further reference.
A phased array glossary is included.
48 Woerd Avenue
Waltham, MA 02453
USA
Tel.: (1) 781-419-3900
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Phased Array Testing

Basic Theory for

NDT Field Guides

NDT Field Guides

Appendix B:UnitConversion ...............................................87

Appendix C:SupportandTraining ......................................89

As industrial ultrasonic testing moved into the twentyfirst century,

Olympus is proud to introduce this new Phased Array Testing field

About This Guide

Chapter 1, Introduction. This chapter provides a brief history of

Chapter 2, Phased Array Probes. This chapter describes how

Chapter 5, Phased Array Test Setup and Display Format. This

Appendixes. These sections include a variety of reference

Olympus is a worldleading manufacturer of innovative

Olympus NDT is based in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA, and has

Activity Nuclear ASME

1.1 General Introduction to Phased Array

During their first couple of decades, commercial ultrasonic

Phase shifting, or phasing, is in turn a way of controlling these

Figure 1-2 Phased arrays used for medical diagnoses

Initially, the use of ultrasonic phased array systems was largely

1.2 What Is a Phased Array System?

Figure 1-4 Typical multielement construction

1.3 How Does Ultrasonic Phasing Work?

Frequently, the elements are pulsed in groups of 4 to 32 in order to

Figure 1-6 Example of focused angle beam linear scan

2. Phased Array Probes

2.1 Ultrasonic Beam Characteristics

Figure 2-1 Principle of the piezoelectric transducer element

Type. The transducer is identified according to function as a contact,

Size. The diameter or length and width of the active transducer

Frequency. The number of wave cycles completed in one second,

Bandwidth. The portion of the frequency response that falls within

Waveform duration. The number of wave cycles generated by the

Sensitivity. The relationship between the amplitude of the excitation

Beam profile. As a working approximation, the beam from a typical

Figure 2-2 Beam profile

Figure 2-3 Areas of energy in the beam profile

Figure 2-4 The sound field of a transducer

2.2 Fundamental Properties of Sound

Beam spreading. In principle, the sound wave generated by a

boundary. What happens then is discussed below. But if the sound

Figure 2-5 Beam spread

The beam spread angle of an unfocused circular transducer beyond

In the case of rectangular elements, the beam spreading is

= sin 1 ------------- = sin 1 --------------

Velocity: 5850 m/s (0.230 in./s) Diameter: 3 mm (0.125 in.)

Figure 2-6 Beam spreading with a 3 mm element

Velocity: 5850 m/s (0.230 in./s) Diameter: 13 mm (0.5 in.)

Figure 2-7 Beam spreading with a 13 mm element

Velocity: 5850 m/s (0.230 in./s) Diameter: 13 mm (0.5 in.)

Figure 2-8 Beam spreading with a 2.25 MHz element

Velocity: 5850 m/s (0.230 in./s) Diameter: 13 mm (0.5 in.)

Figure 2-9 Beam spreading with a 10 MHz element

The mathematical theory of attenuation and scattering is complex.

As a practical matter, in ultrasonic NDT applications, attenuation

Reflection and transmission at a perpendicular plane boundary. When a

Figure 2-10 Sound wave refraction and mode conversion

sin sin sin rs

Figure 2-11 Relative amplitude of wave modes

2.3 Phased Array Probe Characteristics

Figure 2-15 Phased array probes

These inspections require highspeed, multichannel ultrasonic