Basics principles

Question 1

What makes up a typical UT inspection system?

Answer 1

pulsar/receiver, transducer and display device

Question 2

What are the first 4 advantages to UT testing?

Answer 2

• It is sensitive to both surface and subsurface discontinuities.
• The depth of penetration for flaw detection or measurement is superior to other NDT methods.
• Only single-sided access is needed when the pulse-echo technique is used.
• It is highly accurate in determining reflector position and estimating size and shape

Question 3

What are the next four advantages to UT testing?

Answer 3

• Minimal part preparation is required.
• Electronic equipment provides instantaneous results.
• Detailed images can be produced with automated systems.
• It has other uses, such as thickness measurement, in addition to flaw detection.

Question 4

What are the first four DISADVANTAGES to UT testing?

Answer 4

• Surface must be accessible to transmit ultrasound.
• Skill and training is more extensive than with some other methods.
• It normally requires a coupling medium to promote the transfer of sound energy into the test specimen.
• Materials that are rough, irregular in shape, very small, exceptionally thin or not homogeneous are difficult to inspect.

Question 5

Name some further DISADVANTAGES to UT testing?

Answer 5

• Cast iron and other coarse grained materials are difficult to inspect due to low sound transmission and high signal noise.
• Linear defects oriented parallel to the sound beam may go undetected.
• Reference standards are required for both equipment calibration and the characterization of flaws.