Introduction to

Ultrasonic Principles

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a mechanical wave with a

frequency exceeding the upper limit of
human hearing, which is 20 000Hz (20kHz)

Industrial Ultrasound: 1MHz to 12MHz

Spectrum of Sound

Atomic Structures

Understanding wave propagation

Understanding wave propagation

Particle oscillation and wave propagation along parallel directions

Understanding wave propagation

Particle oscillation and propagation along perpendicular directions

Understanding wave propagation

Understanding wave propagation

The wavelength (mm) is given by :

Where;
V : sound velocity (m/s)
f : probe frequency (Hz)

Longitudinal (in the steel)

Transverse (in the steel)
Coupling (in the water)

No Ultrasonic Wave
traveling trough the air

Behavior at an interface

Behavior at an Interface

Ultrasound Production

Ultrasound Production

Piezoelectric Effect

Piezoelectric Effect

Short voltage pulse (<1s) generates an oscillation at the crystal resonant frequency

Whats a UT Probe

Ultrasonic probes

Ultrasonic pulses
Piezoelectric element transforms electrical
energy into sound waves and vice-verca : electric
voltage mechanical displacements

Piezoelectric element produces damped

oscillation ; ultrasonic pulse and in reception the
electric RF signal
Sound waves are emitted into the material and
are eventually reflected and received back by the
probe, thus generating echoes

Frequency vs Crystal Thickness

Frequency role

The frequency also affects the QUALITY of

the ultrasound image
The HIGHER the frequency, the BETTER the
resolution
The LOWER the frequency, the LESS the
resolution

12MHz transducer has very good resolution, but cannot

penetrate very deep in the body
3MHz transducer can penetrate deep into the body, but the
resolution is not as good as high frequencies.

Types of Resolution

Types of Resolution

Inspection modes

Direct Contact

Through transmission

Immersion Testing

Inspection Modes

6320 m/s in Aluminium

3130 m/s in Aluminium

Longitudinal Wave Mode (LW)

Straight beam probe
Detection of flaws
parallel to the
surface: Process
defects, inclusions,
porosity.
Comparison of the
backwall (BW) echo,
and intermediate
echoes.

Shear Wave Mode (SW)

Straight beam probe at
angle with the surface
change mode from
LW -> SW
Detection of subsurface
defects: Process defects,
cracks, inclusions.
Comparison of Backwall
Echo, and intermediate
echoes

Coupling Mode
Straight beam probe
Longitudinal Wave
Detection of water
between the probe and
the surface of the bar :
Gate verify the presence
of the Frontwall Echo
If not, no water
No Ultrasonic wave
travel in the air

Limitations of UT systems

Limitations of UT systems

Dead zones at the beginning and at the end of the bar

Limitations of UT systems
Dead zones inside the bar