Ultrasonic and phased-array inspection in titanium-based alloys: A review

Abstract

Ultrasonic testing procedures are among the most extensively used techniques in non-destructive testing and non-destructive evaluation systems. Meanwhile, phased array inspection or phased-array ultrasonic testing techniques as a well-known type of ultrasonic testing in advanced non-destructive testing systems are utilized in numerous applications, including oil and gas, medical imaging applications, railway, automotive, marine, and aviation industries. Phased-array ultrasonic testing-based methods can also be used in a variety of weld inspections, bond testing, thickness profiling, flaw detections, corrosion inspections, and in-service crack detection. The rapidity, safety, easiness, affordable price, and accurate visualization of phased array in measuring the defect characteristics such as size, shape, depth, and orientation allow its wide usage and even as a substitute for other inspection methods like radiographic methods. In phased array methods, more than one sound wave is employed to enhance the reliability and flexibility of inspection through the operation of several transducer assemblies, involving 16 to 256 small individual elements. Titanium having many desirable properties like high strength to weight ratio found many industrial applications, which highly necessitates its persistent inspection. For this aim, the present study focuses on the application of the phased-array ultrasonic testing technique for inspecting Ti components specifically in additive manufacturing, welding inspections, and defect detection of complex geometries and composites. Moreover, modern applications and improved computation methods are discussed. The development of phased-array ultrasonic testing inspection systems, particularly high throughput and efficient in situ and mobile equipment, and new computation methods will open new horizons toward the highly sophisticated inspection procedures.

Fabrication of micro-ultrasonic phased array electrode via electric field-driven printing method

“…Micro-ultrasonic phased array is widely applied in medical testing [1,2] and industrial inspection [3,4], because of its nondestructive detection mode. The micro-ultrasonic phased array is mainly composed of a piezo element, an electrode, a matching layer, and a flexible circuit [5], where the role of the * Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed.…”

A novel microwave-based non-destructive testing system for detection of sub-surface defects in natural flax fiber reinforced composite material

“…In recent times there has been a growing demand for sustainable materials. 1,2 Numerous studies are being conducted on methods for producing bioplastics from herbal fibers that can be employed as a suitable filler component in fiber-reinforced composite material for a variety of applications. 3,4 There are natural fibers whose structure inherently possesses high damping properties, strain power, recyclability, and suitable for use in composite materials.…”

“…18 Literature also shows an array of sensors being deployed for NDT of complex materials like composites. 1 As a result, selecting the appropriate strategies and approach is crucial for NDT. The suitability of traditional NDT methods and the advancement and development of contemporary technologies, such as microwaves are also explored in this idea for flaw detection and overall performance evaluation of flax fiber reinforced composite.…”

“…The suitability of traditional NDT methods and the advancement and development of contemporary technologies, such as microwaves are also explored in this idea for flaw detection and overall performance evaluation of flax fiber reinforced composite. 1 The method proposed in this article uses a recent interest in NDT technology based on microwaves. Microwaves are part of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum, with frequencies between 300 MHz to 300 GHz and wavelengths between 1 m and 1 mm.…”

“…18 Literature also shows an array of sensors being deployed for NDT of complex materials like composites. 1…”