P4G-2 Structural Cheese Analysis Using Phased Array System

Abstract

We develop an ultrasonic method for nondestructive structural quality analysis of Swiss-cheese. A phased array solution has been implemented to allow fast measurements, dynamic focusing and to alleviate shadowing problems. Initial results exploiting this setup are presented. The results show the potential of the method. However, high attenuation causes frequency downshift, which decreases the resolution as a function of probing depth. Structural inhomogeneity decreases the SNR of acquired signals. These issues lead to a high dynamic range demand for the system. Sophisticated imaging methods should be utilized to fully exploit the beam focusing and deflection capabilities of phased arrays, while maintaining rapid measurements. Compared to our earlier work with single transducer setup, a ten times decrease in measurement time was obtained.