Nde Unit-2
Nde Unit-2
+
zone Near zone| Far zone
Distance from the generator Divergent beam far-zone
@ )
Fig. 3.8 Pressure Variation in the Forward Direction from the Surface of a Piezo-Electric Plate
The length of the near field is determined by locating the peak of the final maximum pressure. This is
determined by making m = 0 in the relationship. Hence, we have length of the near zone =
For D> A, length of the near zone = D/4A
The number of maxima and minima is given by:
M=D/i.
In the far zone or Fraunhoffer zone, the sound waves travel as a diverging beam. This zone is
interference free. In this zone, the intensity of sound decreases E
as the square of the distance from the piezo-electric plate. cl
From the viewpoint of ultrasonic testing, the far field is of A
interest to us. The sound beam diverges in the far field, as |
the distance increases as shown in Fig, 3.9. ‘B
It may be seen that the pressure amplitude is maximum y D
along the axis OP, but with increasing distance, it keeps 3N fA
decreasing. Also, the pressure amplitude reduces when
observed away from the axis. The zero pressures for distances
N, 3N and 6N are at A, B, C, D, E and F, The divergence
Profile of the beam is obtained by joining the zero pressure i
points, viz. O, A, C, E and O, B, D, F, etc. The angle that this line makes with the axis of the beam 'S
called the angle of divergence. The angle of divergence is defined as:
nie CA
sol
Fig. 3.9 Divergence and Pressure
Variation in the Far Fielcv / Ultrasonics 75
sin = Ty ft frequeney
diameter of gencrator
7= angle of divergence
V= velocity of sound
constant that assumes the following values
is 2 rhe pressure at any point along the axis OP
tion C= 0.44 for 70% pressure point
0.56 for 50% pressure point
= 1.08 for 10% pressure point
Al various pressure Points across the beam cross-
's taken as 100% pressure point,
1.20 for 0% pressure point
The 70% pressure point corresponds to 30% reduction in pressure and is referred to as the 3 4B drop
pint. Similarly, the 50% and 10% pressure points are refered to asthe 6 dB and the 20 dB drop poing
respectively.
The values of C mentioned are valid for small values of A/D (small values of divergence) and circular
generators. If the generator is not circular, the relation is not accurate. In
sessed experimentally,
The ultrasonic field variation can be controlled by suitably adjusting the diameter and frequency of
the ultrasonic generator. Using a large diameter transducer and high frequency can reduce divergence to
asmall value, which is desirable for ultrasonic testing. However, large diameter generators also increase
thenear zone (also called zone of confusion). Therefore, in practice, divergence is kept within a tolerable
range by a compromise between diameter and frequency of the generator.
such cases, divergence is
3.4 Prezo-Evectric Erect
The word ‘piezo’ means pressure and piezo-electric effect implies pressure electricity. Coan nanally
occurring crystals like quartz and tourmaline show piezo-electric property. The estas ae jected
to mechanical vibration, produce electrical pulses ina perpendicular direeion = phen Si ena
are subjected to high frequency electrical pulses, dimensional se is ol serve ins pore xtc
Tra, Caniuous impinge earl phenomenon Ia sound Wave, i alematng
This shows that the piezo-electric effect is a reversi me
xpansion a eaorecsiont impinges on the piezo-electric plate, fees eS eran
Voltage with the frequency of the wave. The generated voltage 7 roport pal we de agotnds of yt
Pressure, Thus, a direct piezo-electric effect is used to receive ultrasoune,
used for generating ultrasound.
Some piezo-electric materials like qua
Commercially used piezo-electric material r
Phosphate, lithium sulfate, lead niobate, potassium
jae irconate titanate, etc.). eiPolyervata
ae eee a om solutions under controlled conditions. Polycrystalline ceramics are
'ynthetic crystals are grown frol
ieee roachiieve piezo-electric property, These ceramics
a intering at high temperature 0 M1 ential (~ 5 KV). The crystal domains
rote ng ed ig ey ing pa” S Tcl oat
ign with he eh cd romain in that condition even ae the Vif the erystal is heated above thi
Which polarization is achieves
i el in ture. But most of the
aline and rochell salt occur in nat
me . tne synthetic compounds such as ammonium dihydrogen
* aasiurm dihydrogen phosphate and polycrystalline ceramicsN
36 NomDesmuctive Test and Evaluation of Materials
trie property. Natural crystals also have their own ¢
remperature, the erystal loses its piezo-el ave .
t ations ‘The following table shows some of the properties of popularly used piezo-electrig cya
temperature. The following 1
ommon properties of piezo-electric materials
TABLE 3.1 Some ci
i Property Quart: (SiO") saihien Sate parti Tree ri
Density (emer) er | 2.06 54 a
Acoustic velocity (m sec) 5740 5460 5100 ‘000
‘Cue temperature CC) 376 130 120 19035
Acoustic impedance (N.s'm*.10°) 15.2 M2 27 30
3.5 ULTRASONIC TRANSDUCERS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS
Ultrasonic transducers (or probes or search units) are devices to generate and receive ultrasound. For
non-destructive test purposes, piezo-electric elements of suitable dimensions are used to generate the
complete range of ultrasonic frequencies at all levels of intensities. The transducers convert electrical
energy into mechanical energy (vibration) and vice-versa, as explained earlier.
A transducer essentially consists of a case, a piezo-electric element, backing material, electrodes,
connectors and protection for the piezo-electric
element from mechanical damage. Figure 3.10
Coaxial —>t”
shows the essential elements of a transducer “°°” Casing
assembly. ‘Signal connector
A casing is the housing within which various
elements are contained. It is metallic or molded ee
plastic. When the piezo-electric element is subjected matetal
to electrical impulses, it vibrates or ‘rings’ for a
long time. For non-destructive testing, along period Elec
Ground ——+»
of vibration is undesirable as it adversely affects ,S"Und- ma
defect resolution capability. To prevent excessive oe
ringing, highly attenuating materials (called backing .
materials) ae bonded to the back face of the piezo. Fig. 3.10 Elements of a Transducer Assembly
electric element. Backing materials consist of a mixture of ‘graphite, powdered metals (e.g. tungsten) and?
metal oxide of random grain size, Wear resistance of the crystal can be increased without sacrificing
resolution and sensitivity by the use of a thin layer of aluminum oxide or boron carbide.
3.5.1 Types of Transducers
Normal Beam Transducers
These
and Mate iee {or contact testing and immersion testing. Transducers generat, tans!
transducer and Fig. 409 — normal to the test surface, Figure 3.11 shows a normal beam cont
electric element is ~~ shows an immersion transducer, In the immersion type of testing, the piez”
‘nade completely waterproof and a grounding electrode is provided in the font f°Signal connector
Backing
material
Electrode
| —=Selrode
Normal Beam with Wear Plate
Fig 31
Angle Beam Transducers
Ulirasonies 77
Coaxial
45 connector
Casing
Signal connector
Backing I
material “|| jhe Ground
connector
Crystal—{_|
Fig. 3.12 Immersion Search Unit
hese are contact type transducers that transmit and receive longitudinal waves at an angle to the test
raterial surface, During the transmission of the wave, the longitudinal wave is mode converted to a
‘hear or surface Wave on entering the material.
During reception, the shear or surface wave is
mode converted back to the longitudinal wave. Figure
3,13 shows the essential elements of an angle beam
wransducer.
‘The transducer is similar to a normal beam probe,
except that a wedge cut at an appropriate angl
atached to the normal beam transducer.
le is
Apart from those mentioned, various types of
transducers, in different sizes and frequencies, have
been developed for specific inspection applications.
Some of these are discussed next.
Oual Element Transducers
Coaxial
>
‘connector
Signal connector
lnthis type, the transmitter and receiver elements are
this.
Focused Transducers
es transducers are designed to concentrate
ine, 8 into a small area. This improves
redugee 7 Semsitivity and resolution and also
lens of the effect of acoustic noise. An acoustic
2 nom eetermined focal length is attached 10
Porateg beam probe, Sometimes it is incor-
Congo transducer facing. The focusing
Cylindrical or spherical. While examining
Separated with a cork-divider. Figure 3.14 illustrates
Transmitter element.
‘Acoustical barrier —}
(cork)
Casing
Ground
connector
Electrode
Wedge}
Crystal
Ds
Fig. 3.13 Angle Beam Contact Search Unit
Coaxial connectors
Receiver element
Plastic blocks
LS
3.14 Dual Element Transducer78 Non-Destructive Test and Evaluation of Materials
. sing is used. Spherical focusing concentrates the sound bes...
eee ae towed while examining near surface defects. Figure 3.15 illustra
cone. Spherical foc
transducers.
ee
arr
oir
Water
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