Chapter no.

12
Ultrasonic Testing (UT).
 Introduction of Ultrasonic testing.
 Methods of Ultrasonic testing.

………………………………………………………………………........

Introduction of Ultrasonic Testing.

Ultrasonic inspection is a non-destructive method in which high

frequency sound waves are introduced into the material being inspected.
Most ultrasonic inspection is done at frequencies between 0.5 and 20 MHz,
well above the range of human hearing which is about 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Ultrasonic testing has a superior penetrating power than radiography
and can detect flaws deep in the test specimen (say up to about 6 to7metre
of steel). It is quite sensitive to small flaws and allows the precise
determination of the location and size of the flaws. The intensity of sound
waves is either measured, after reflection (Pulse echo), at interfaces (or flaw)
or is measured at the opposite surface of the specimen (Pulse transmission).
The basic principle of ultrasonic testing is illustrated as

“KRL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KAHUTA”

 Ultrasonic testing method is employed to detect and locate internal
defects as cracks, porosity, inclusions, lack of fusion and incomplete
penetration.
Wall thickness can be measured in closed vessels or in cases where
such measurements cannot be made.
Ultrasonic vibrations can be used to locate defects in ferrous and
non-ferrous metallic objects as well as in plastics and ceramics.

Principle of Ultrasonic Test.

Ultrasonic methods of NDT use beams of mechanical waves
(vibrations) of short wavelength and high-frequency, transmitted from a
small probe and detected by the same or other probes. Such mechanical
waves can travel large distances in a medium, such as air, water, and in
fine-grain metals.
Crystals of materials such as quartz vibrate very fast when electricity
is passed through them—an effect called “piezoelectricity.” As they vibrate,
they manipulate the air around them and the fluids they come in contact
with, producing ultrasound waves.
Procedure of Ultrasonic Test.
1. The surface of the specimen to be inspected is made fairly smooth
either by machining or otherwise so that ultrasonic waves can be
efficiently transmitted from the probes into the job and even small
defects can be detected properly.

“KRL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KAHUTA”

2. Ultrasonic inspection employs separate Probes or search units, one
for transmitting the waves and other to receive them after passing
through the specimen.
The ultrasonic waves are transmitted as a series of intermittent
Pulses; the same probe may be employed both as the transmitter and
Receiver.
3. Before transmitting ultrasonic waves, an oil film is provided between
the probe and the job surface. This ensures proper contact between
probe and job surface.
4. Now sound waves introduced into the metal and the time interval
between transmission of outgoing and reception of incoming signals
measured with a cathode ray oscilloscope.(CRO)
5. As the wave sent from the probe, strike the upper surface of the job
and makes a sharp pip (peak, echo) at the left hand side of the CRO
screen. If the job is sound this wave will strike the bottom of the job,
get reflected and indicated by a pip towards the right hand end of
CRO screen.
6. In case of a defect exists in the center of the job, most of the beam
striking this defect and reflected from the defect, reach the receiver
probe and indicate a pip on the CRO screen.
7. The distance of the defect from the surface can be determined with
the help of a time distance scale in the form of a square wave
constantly shown at the bottom of CRO screen.

“KRL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KAHUTA”

Advantages.
1. It is a fast and reliable method of NDT.
2. This method is more sensitive than radiography.
3. This method permits detection of minute flaws.
4. It has high penetration power 6 to 7 meters in steel, which allows
examination of thick sections.
5. It has high accuracy of measurement of flaw size and position.
6. It has fast response which permits rapid inspection.
7. It needs access to only one surface of the specimen.
Dis Advantages.
1. Rough surfaces cannot be inspected by this technique.
2. Very highly skilled manpower is required.
3. It requires the use of a couplant (oil).
4. Equipment is quite expensive.

“KRL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KAHUTA”

“KRL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY KAHUTA”