Keywords
Citation
(2002), "High frequency ultrasonic wheel probe", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774cab.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
High frequency ultrasonic wheel probe
Keywords: Probes, Ultrasonic, Aerospace industry
We are informed that the new, high frequency, dry coupled wheel probe has now arrived – The Hydroprobe developed and patented by Sonatest Plc.
Ultrasonic non-destructive testing is now often required where the test piece material must not become wet or saturated with water. The issue of couplant contamination is of particular importance in the aerospace and other safety critical sectors where composites, open cell structures and porous materials are increasingly used. Problems with couplant application and removal, or the impracticalities of immersion systems have also led to the need for advancements in dry coupled solid contact wheel probes.
The key innovation is thought to be the development of specific Hydrophilic Polymers, which make up the "tyre" or delay material. These polymers are said to demonstrate acoustic properties that lend themselves very well to implementation in ultrasonic NDT. Reported to be capable of absorbing large quantities of water, these polymers hydrate to an equilibrium, giving rise to a flexible solid – containing 60 per cent water – perfect for dry operation in a testing environment without risking the contamination of the test piece.
Due to this new material development frequencies of 5-10 MHz and over are believed possible, offering higher sensitivity and resolution. Another result due to the change in design philosophy is the ability to employ pulse echo mode. This allows depth measurements and examinations options where access is limited. Being portable the Hydro Probe can be used in situ, reducing inspections times and eliminating the need for immersion tanks. The Hydro probe is considered suitable for automated or manual use and has an interchangeable transducer.
Applications are various but include thickness measurement, composite inspection, delamination detection as well as general flaw detection.
Details available from: Sonatest. Tel: +44 (0) 1908 316345; E-mail: sales@sonatest-plc.com