International Journal of Structural Integrity

Purpose – In ultrasonic A-scan technique the depth and the size of the defect in the material can be determined from the position and amplitude of the reflected echo on the cathode ray tube screen. However, the main difficulty in ultrasonic testing is the precise recognition of the defect type. The purpose of this paper is to develop analysis software to interpret defects of single-v butt-welded mild steel plates in ultrasonic testing.

Design/methodology/approach – This paper establishes a relationship between types of defects in single-v butt-welded mild steel plates and the corresponding amplitudes and widths of echo signals, defect positions and beam directions.

Findings – Using this relationship it develops analysis software named “ULTRASL-1” to predict the type of unknown defects by minimizing the effect of the size and geometry of defect on echo amplitude which is the main limitation in using echo amplitude for identification of defect type.

Research limitations/implications – This paper limits for defects like slag, isolated pore, porosity, lack of inter-run fusion, lack of side-wall fusion, crack and lack of penetration in single-v butt-welded mild steel plates.

Originality/value – The significance of this work is the introduction of a specialized procedure and a software programme to identify type of defect, so that non-destructive testing personnel with any level of experience can share the expertise of the best operators in the industry. Hence, it will support to reduce one of the main problems concerning ultrasonic testing, i.e. the difficulties in recognition of defect type.