Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) uses multiple ultrasonic elements and electronic time delays to generate and receive ultrasound, creating beams by constructive and destructive interference. As such, phased array offers significant technical advantages over conventional single-probe ultrasonic testing: the phased array beams can be steered, scanned, swept, and focused electronically.
PAUT continues to be an important and evolving technique, and ASNT has explored both the fundamentals and the cutting-edge across its publications, events, and educational offerings. Revisit this collection of PAUT content from 2023.
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Phased Array, FMC/TFM, and the Future of Ultrasonic Testing
Chat NDT with ASNT (Podcast)
Alan Caulder; Debbie Segor, CAE
In this episode of Chat NDT with ASNT, host Debbie Segor, CAE, speaks with Alan Caulder, vice president of sales for Advanced OEM Solutions (AOS) and The Phased Array Company (TPAC). They discuss how Alan first became involved in NDT and earned his ASNT NDT Level III in ultrasonic testing (UT), eventually joining AOS and TPAC and becoming exposed to the next evolution in UT, full matrix capture/total focusing method (FMC/TFM).
Alan explains how phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) evolved from conventional UT, diving into the physics and practical applications that differentiate it. He also discusses how PAUT complements other NDT methods and techniques. The two discuss the future of UT, including the adoption of FMC/TFM and the potential and limitations of automation and artificial intelligence/machine learning in UT.
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Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing of Stainless Steel Pipe Welds
Materials Evaluation, June 2023
Anmol S. Birring, James Williams
Weld inspection of stainless steel pipes and pressure vessels is one of the most challenging and difficult inspections for UT. This is due to variations in grain structure and associated anisotropy. Anisotropy causes grain scattering and adversely affects the propagation of sound waves. The effect is more telling for shear waves, which, in many cases, have almost no ability to penetrate the weld volume. Longitudinal waves are affected to a lesser degree by anisotropy and can be applied for such tests. Angle beam or refracted longitudinal waves are, therefore, the accepted method for stainless steel weld inspections.
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The Basics of PAUT Weld Inspection
Virtual Section Meeting Presentation (Webinar)
William Haworth
This presentation covers the fundamentals of PAUT with a special emphasis on its application in weld inspection. Explore how PAUT harnesses the power of advanced ultrasonic technology to revolutionize nondestructive testing in various industries. William delves into the principles, benefits, and real-world examples of using PAUT for weld inspection, showcasing its ability to enhance precision, efficiency, and reliability in ensuring structural integrity. Whether you’re new to PAUT or seeking deeper insights, this presentation will provide a solid foundation for understanding its crucial role in welding quality control.
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Towards Real-Time Quantitative Monitoring and Control of Weld Pool Dimensions using Phased Array Ultrasonics
Presented at the 31st Research Symposium, 26–30 June 2023, Columbus, Ohio
Nina E. Sweeney, David Lines, Ewan Nicolson, Charalampos Loukas, Stephen G. Pierce, Simon Parke, Charles N. MacLeod
While ultrasonic NDT of welded joints is well understood and commercially undertaken at the end of the fabrication timeline, significant commercial benefits can be realized through the adoption of novel in-process inspection and monitoring techniques. This paper shows the use of phased array ultrasonics to monitor and analyze the molten weld pool live during weld deposition. The received ultrasonic signals are shown to contain information related to key physical transitions occurring within the welding process, namely the melting and solidification of the weldment. This preliminary work unlocks the potential for real-time monitoring and control of the welding process. The information stored within the ultrasonic signals can be directly related to quantitative information about the welding process providing means for anticipation of defect occurrence and preventative control.
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Compiled by Haley Cowans, Content Strategist at ASNT, hcowans@asnt.org.