Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng.

Physics I

Ultrasonic pulse echo system

Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

The ultrasonic pulse echo system is used to detect flaw, evaluate the
dimension of the flaw, characterize a material, find hidden cracks,
voids, porosity, and other internal discontinuities in metals, composites,
plastics, and ceramics, and so on.

An ultrasonic pulse echo system basically consists of the following

several functional units.

1. A master timer (an electronic clock)

2. An electronic (signal) pulse generator
3. Signal transmitting transducer
4. Reflected signal receiving transducer
5. An echo signal amplifier and
6. A display device such as CRO
Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

Block diagram for an ultrasonic flaw detector

Master Time base

Timer amplifier

CRO
Signal pulse
generator x

Echo signal Y
amplifier

Probe of transducer
Work piece

The master timer (the electronic clock) triggers the signal pulse generator
at regular intervals. Signal generator sends a short burst of high frequency
alternating voltage to the transducer. The transducer generates pulse of
ultrasonic waves. This sound energy propagates through the inspection
piece.
Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

When there is a discontinuity such as crack in the wave path, part of energy is
reflected back from the flaw surface.

The reflected pulse causes the receiving transducer element to vibrate inducing
alternating electrical voltage across the transducer. This induced voltage is
instantaneously amplified and fed to display device (CRO).

The location of a discontinuity is determined by measuring the time required

for ultrasonic pulse to travel through the material, reflect from the surface of
discontinuity and return to the transducer.

The transit time (t) is measured and the distance of discontinuity from the
surface of the specimen (d) can be calculated with the formula

d = vt / 2

where v is the velocity of sound waves in the material.

Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

The following echo pattern appearing in CRO indicates the presence of

a defect.
Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

Inspection techniques

1. Normal probe reflection method:

The pulse is fully or partially reflected by any

defect in the material. Single probe acts as
both transmitter and receiver.

The time delay between the transmission and

reception of the pulse is measured. Hence, the
depth of the defect from the surface is
determined.

Coupling loss is minimum as transmission ultrasonic flaw detector in

and reception is done with a single probe. its reflection mode

The depth of the defect from the surface can

be measured.
The specimen may be of any shape.
Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

Portable Ultrasonic Flaw Detectors are

used to detect and size the internal
defects and discontinuities in many
materials.
Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

used to find cracks,

corrosion, and other
safety-critical defects

Applied in a wide variety of fabricated and structural metals

steam boilers aircraft engine parts bridge beams railroad rails & axles

oil and chemical pipelines storage tanks

Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

2. Normal probe transmission method:

Two probes are used in this type of inspection technique. The transmitting probe
is placed in contact with the surface of the work piece on one side. The receiver
probe is kept on the opposite side of the work piece.

Transmitting probe

Specimen
flaw

Receiving probe

ultrasonic flaw detector in its

transmission mode
Prepared by Ms. Julie Charles, Dept. of Physics, S.S.N. College of Engineering – Eng. Physics I

During inspection, both the probes are moved together. If the material
is without any flaw, the receiving probe receives the full signal.

If a defect is detected in the material, because of partial reflection at the

defect region, there will be a reduction in the received signal. Thus, the
defect can be detected.

This technique has the following demerits.

1. The coupling loss is maximum as two different probes are used.

2. The depth of the defect is not known. Only its presence is
detected.
3. Both the sides of the wall studied need to be parallel.
4. Both the sides of the specimen are required for study.