Ultrasonic arrays for monitoring cracks in an industrial plant at high temperatures

Kirk, K.J., McNab, A., Cochran, A. , Hall, I. and Hayward, G. (1999) Ultrasonic arrays for monitoring cracks in an industrial plant at high temperatures. IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control, 46(2), pp. 311-319. (doi: 10.1109/58.753019)

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Abstract

A piezoelectric linear array structure has been designed to operate at temperatures up to 400/spl deg/C for nondestructive testing of steel components of a hot industrial plant. It is intended that these arrays be fixed permanently to the test subject so that known defects can be monitored by comparing measurements taken over a period of time without needing to shut down the plant. The arrays are used in pairs: the transmitter is a phased array producing a variable angle steered beam, and a second array is used for receiving. The defect can be identified from a series of scans collected from individual elements of the second array. A simple monolithic array structure was used, based on a single crystal of lithium niobate and operating in the frequency range 3 to 5 MHz. Prototype devices have 64 elements on a 0.5 mm pitch. Simulated defects in steel blocks have been scanned at high temperatures to illustrate the arrays' capability for nondestructive testing. The results suggest an accuracy better than 1 mm in finding the location of crack tips.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cochran, Professor Sandy
Authors: Kirk, K.J., McNab, A., Cochran, A., Hall, I., and Hayward, G.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control
Publisher:IEEE
ISSN:0885-3010
ISSN (Online):1525-8955

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