Bruchem habayim • G’day • Witajcie

Welcome • Beinvenidos • Dobro pozhalov

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing

Merhaba • Byenveni • Uwamkelekile

 Ultrasonic Testing
Level I

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing

Paul Marks, NDT Training Center
 Lesson 1
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Definition of Ultrasonics

• Ultrasonics is the study and application of sound

waves having frequencies above the audible
range of the human ear
• Is a branch of acoustics
• Begins at 20 000 cycles
per second (20 kHz)
• Uses higher frequencies
for testing materials.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Early Testing Methods

For centuries, objects were tested by hitting them

with a mallet and listening for a tonal quality
difference. The natural resonance of an object gave
evidence that the struck object was free from
imperfections.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Applications of Ultrasonic Testing

Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Basic Math of Ultrasound

Most of the math required to understand the

physics of ultrasound involves fairly simple
equations.
This equation helps explain
the relationship of sonic λ=v/f
velocity (v) within the host
material, the frequency (f)
selected for use by the technician, and the resultant
wavelength (λ) determined by the ratio.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Basic Math of Ultrasound

PERIOD PERIOD
Equation v= λ× f
λ λ λ= wavelength (most often
expressed in mm)
v = velocity (most often
One Second expressed in km/s)
f = frequency (most often
PERIOD PERIOD

λ
expressed in MHz)
PERIOD PERIOD
λ PERIOD

Equation λ= v / f
λ λ λ

Change the frequency to vary or change the

wavelength of sound being used to test a part.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Characteristics of Ultrasound

Sound is the mechanical

vibration of particles in
a material. Particles
vibrate around a fixed
point at the same
frequency as the sound
wave.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Characteristics of Ultrasound

Sonic (mechanical) energy passes through

materials as an energy wave, causing movement in
the atomic particles that lie in the path of the wave.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Characteristics of Ultrasound

This atomic movement is constrained by the elastic

properties of the carrier (the material through which
the wave is traveling), but even the slightest
movement of the atoms is passed along through the
densely packed molecular structure in the form of
mechanical energy.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Characteristics of Ultrasound
The length of a sound wave measured from trough to
trough, or crest to crest, is always the same. This
distance is known as the wavelength (λ).

The time it takes for the wave to travel a distance of one

complete wavelength is the same amount of time it
takes for the atomic structure in the path of that energy
to execute one complete vibration.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Basic Math of Ultrasound

Most ultrasonic
thickness gaging and
flaw detection/
dB
REF

*
evaluation use the
C

pulse-echo technique
Krautkramer

to convert time of flight CRACK

into distance that the

sound wave travels
within the test object.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Qualification and Certification

It is imperative that NDT personnel responsible for

ultrasonic testing are trained and highly qualified.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Qualification and Certification

Level I personnel are qualified to:
Perform specific calibrations, nondestructive tests and evaluations
for determining the acceptance or rejection of tested objects in
accordance with specific written instructions.
Record test results. Normally, Level I personnel do not have the
authority to sign off on the acceptance and completion of the
nondestructive test unless specifically trained to do so with clearly
written instructions.
Carry out nondestructive testing job activities in accordance with
written instructions or under the direct supervision of a Level II or
Level III technician.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Qualification and Certification

Level II personnel are qualified to:
Set up and calibrate equipment.
Interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes,
standards and specifications.
Organize and report the results of nondestructive tests.
Oversee on-the-job training of, and guidance to, Level I and trainee
personnel.
The Level II technician must understand the scope and
limitations of each method for which he or she is
certified.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Qualification and Certification

Level III personnel are qualified to:

Be responsible for nondestructive testing operations to which
they are assigned and for which they are certified.
Develop, qualify and approve procedures, and establish and
approve nondestructive testing methods and techniques to be
used by Level I and Level II personnel.
Interpret and evaluate test results in terms of applicable
codes, standards, specifications and procedures.
Assist in establishing acceptance criteria where none are
available, based on a practical background in applicable
materials, fabrication and product technology.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Qualification and Certification

Level III personnel are qualified to:

Have familiarity with appropriate nondestructive testing
methods other than those for which they are specifically
certified, as demonstrated by passing an ASNT Level III
Basic examination.
Be responsible for, and capable of, training and
examination of Level I and Level II personnel for certification
in the methods for which they are certified.
Write the written practice as well as other testing procedures.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Qualification and Certification

Qualification takes place before certification.

Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A states
qualification should include the following for any
method:
Formal training.
Application-specific experience.
Demonstrated knowledge.
Ability to pass a vision test.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Certification

Certification of an individual in NDT to Level I, Level

II or Level III is simply a written testimony of
qualification. Certification is:
Meant to document the qualification of an
individual.
The responsibility of the employer.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Challenges

The major challenges facing everyone in the

nondestructive testing industry (not just those
involved in ultrasonics) have to do with:
Education and attitude.
Devotion to the idea that there is always
something more to learn, which is crucial to our
development into competent technicians.
Our attitude must drive us toward a goal of
excellence that leaves no room for carelessness.
Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

The World Is in Your Hands

The work we perform deserves our very best effort.
Informed and correct applications of our skills protect
people. Careless and incorrect applications of our
skills put people at risk.
 Introduction to Ultrasonic Testing

Thank You Thank You Thank You

The American Society for Nondestructive Testing

Lesson 1 End Lesson 1 End Lesson 1

End