Ultrasonic testing requirements for aerospace applications require high
sensitivity as well as highly repeatable and reliable detection capability.
Phased array ultrasonics offers unique advantages over conventional ultrasound
for aerospace testing because the beam can be controlled in many
ways without mechanical movement. In addition, enhancements to
throughput and repeatability are possible through the opportunities that
phased array offers to test automation. The use of ultrasonic information
from the array probe allows for continual monitoring of transducer alignment
and positioning relative to the test piece without operator intervention.
In addition, automated classification of detected discontinuities provides
improvements to test reliability and probability of detection over
operator controlled systems. However, the development of procedures to
compensate for probe variability during an automated alignment and calibration
procedure is not straightforward. This paper will describe the automated
phased array processes and methods used for alignment, calibration
and data acquisition by the Turbine Engine Sustainment Initiative (TESI)
ultrasonic testing system developed by the University of Dayton Research
Institute.
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