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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
1. INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………………………………..1 
1.1 General Introduction to Phased Array Testing……………………..……………………………………………1 
1.2 What Is a Phased Array System?.................................................................................3 
1.3 How Does Ultrasonic Phasing Work?..........................................................................4 
1.4 Delay Laws, or Focus Laws……………………………………………………………………………………….10 
1.5 Basic Components of Phased Array System…………………………………………………………….13 
1.6    Advantages of Phased Array as Compared with Conventional UT……..………………….14 
 
2.    PHASED ARRAY PROBES 
2.1 Ultrasonic Beam Characteristics………………………………………………………………………………15 
2.2 Fundamental Properties of Sound Waves………………………………………….………………..…………18 
2.3 Phased Array Probe Characteristics……………………………………………….……………….……..25 
2.4 Piezocomposite Materials………………………………………………………………………………………28 
2.4.1 Matching Layer and Cable Requirements………………………………………………………..29 
2.4.2 Backing Material…………………………………………………………………………………………….…29 
2.5 Piezocomposite Manufacture………………………………………………………………..………….…..30 
2.6 Types of Phased Array Probes for Industrial Applications……………………………….…….32 
2.7 Linear Arrays……………………………………………………………………………………………………….....37 
2.7.1 Active Aperture………………………………………………………………………………………………..37 
2.7.2 Effective Active Aperture…………………………………………………………………………………38 
2.7.3 Minimum Active Aperture……………………………………………………………………………….39 
2.7.4 Passive Aperture……………………………………………………………………………………………..39 
2.7.5 Elementary Pitch………………………………………………………………………………………………40 
2.7.6 Element Gap…………………………………………………………………………………………………….41 
2.7.7 Element Width………………………………………………………………………………………………...41 
2.7.8 Maximum Element Size……………………………………………………………………………………41 
2.7.9 Focal Depth………………………………………………………………………………………………………42 
2.7.10 Depth of Field…………………………………………………………………………………………..……..43 
2.7.11 Focal Range……………………………………………………………………………………………………..43 
2.7.12 Near Surface Resolution…………………………………………………………………………….……44 
2.7.13 Far‐Surface Resolution…………………………………………………………………………………….44 
2.7.14 Lateral and Axial Resolution………………………………………………………………………….…44 
2.7.15 Angular Resolution………………………………………………………………………………………....45 
2.7.16 Main Lobe………………………………………………………………………………………………………..45 
2.7.17 Side Lobes……………………………………………………………………………………………………....45 
2.7.18 Grating Lobes……………………………………………………………………………………………..……46 
2.7.19 Beam Apodization……………………………………………………………………………………………47 
2.7.20 Grating Lobe Amplitude………………………………………………………………………………….47 
2.8 Dynamic Depth Focusing……………………………………………………………………………………...48 
2.8.1 DDF Beam Divergence…………………………………………………………………………………….49 
2.8.2 DDF Advantages……………………………………………………………………………………………..50 
2 .9     Phased Array Wedges……………………………………………………………………………………….52 
       2.10    Phased Pulsing………………………………………………………………..…………………………………53 
       2.11    Beam Shaping and Steering ………………………………………………………………………………55 
       2.12   Beam Focusing with Phased Array Probes…………………………………………………….……59 
       2.13  Grating Lobes and Side Lobes………………………………………………………………………….…..61 
       2.14   Phased Array Probe Selection Summary………………………….…………………………………62 

Rev 0 Oct 2011    i 

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