Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC)

Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC)

Acoustic signals from the same reflecting surface will have different amplitudes at
different distances from the transducer. Distance amplitude correction (DAC) provides a
means of establishing a graphic ‘reference level sensitivity’ as a function of sweep
distance on the A-scan display. The use of DAC allows signals reflected from similar
discontinuities to be evaluated where signal attenuation as a function of depth has been
correlated. Most often DAC will allow for loss in amplitude over material depth (time),
graphically on the A-scan display but can also be done electronically by certain
instruments. Because near field length and beam spread vary according to transducer
size and frequency, and materials vary in attenuation and velocity, a DAC curve must be
established for each different situation. DAC may be employed in both longitudinal and
shear modes of operation as well as either contact or immersion inspection techniques.

A distance amplitude correction curve is constructed from the peak amplitude responses
from reflectors of equal area at different distances in the same material. A-scan echoes
are displayed at their non-electronically compensated height and the peak amplitude of
each signal is marked on the flaw detector screen or, preferably, on a transparent plastic
sheet attached to the screen. Reference standards which incorporate side drilled holes
(SDH), flat bottom holes (FBH), or notches whereby the reflectors are located at
varying depths are commonly used. It is important to recognize that regardless of the
type of reflector used, the size and shape of the reflector must be
constant. Commercially available reference standards for constructing DAC include
ASTM Distance/Area Amplitude and ASTM E1158 Distance Amplitude blocks,
NAVSHIPS Test block, and ASME Basic Calibration Blocks.

The following applet shows a test block with a side drilled hole. The transducer was
chosen so that the signal in the shortest pulse-echo path is in the far-field. The
transducer may be moved finding signals at depth ratios of 1, 3, 5, and 7. Red points are
"drawn" at the peaks of the signals and are used to form the distance amplitude
correction curve drawn in blue. Start by pressing the green "Test now!" button. After
determining the amplitudes for various path lengths (4), press "Draw DAC" and then
press the green "Test now!" button.