FREQUENCY, BANDWIDTH, DAMPING

The frequency noted on a transducer is the central or centre frequency and depends primarily on
the backing material.

A 5MHz probe may produce a frequency range of 4 to 6 MHz

Sensitivity to small defects is proportional to the product of the efficiency of the transducer as a
transmitter and a receiver.

Resonant Frequency

The frequency at which the transducer is the most efficient as a transmitter and sensitive as a
receiver of sound.

This frequency is called the natural or resonant frequency of the transducer.

the thickness and the material (i.e.: speed of sound in the crystal) of the Piezoelectric crystal
determines the resonant frequency of the transducer

transducers crystal thickness (t) is equal to one-half of the wavelength () of the ultrasound
produced by the transducer
The two parameters Sensitivity & Resolution are interrelated as

Q=fc/f2-f1

Q=Quality factor

fc=Centre frequency

f2=frequency above fc at which amplitude falls to 50 % of fc

f1=frequency below fc at which amplitude falls to 50 % of fc

f2-f1 = bandwidth (∆f) of transducer

bandwidth  Q-factor 

If bandwidth (∆f) has to be expressed in %

∆f = f2-f1 / fc x 100

Q = 1 / ∆f

or

∆f = 1/ Q

Q factor ≤ 1 has greater band-width (∆f >100%)

provides a transducer with high resolving power & wide frequency range response.

Q factor ≥ 1 provides lesser bandwidth (∆f <100%)

provides a transducer sensitivity and greater penetration but has poorer resolving power &
narrow frequency range response
the exponential decay of the pressure wave over time is called damping

High damping short ring down time low Q value

Less damping Long Ring time high Q value

Damping material, tungsten/rubber in a epoxy resin, are placed behind transducers

to reduce (or dampen) the vibrations and to shorten pulses.

Broad Band Narrow Band

Low Q High Q

Highly damped Low damping

Short ringing time(Dead Long ringing(Dead zone)

zone)
Long pulse length(3 to 4
Short pulse length(1 to 2 cycles)
cycles)
Poor resolution
Better resolving power
Good penetration
Poor penetration
Sensitivity: ability to detect small defects

High Frequency probes have good sensitivity

Pulse width or length

IIW block to be used

To check probe & equipment combination effect on the display signal due to probe damping ,
bandwidth , suppression.

Calibrate the time base for a particular range

Maximize the signal from 1.5 mm SDH for shear wave or back wall for L wave probe to 100%

Measure the width of the signal at 10% screen height in mm

It should be as less as possible

If it is more then resolution has to be checked

A long pulse duration will limit range resolutions and resolution check becomes needed.

A short pulse indicates that the equipment is having built in suppression which prevents small
signals

Place the straight beam probe on the opposite side of 3mm slot with the varying thickness of 85,
91, 100.

If the instrument can separate the echoes from all three reflectors the resolution is good.
Probe Selection based on

Material

Dimension(Dia & Thickness)

Sound path in the material

Type & size of defect to be detected

Frequency

Angle

Size

Single or dual Crystal

L or S wave