A Novel Testing System of Welds in Tube Nodes Based on Ultrasonic Phased Array Technology

Abstract

A novel automatic ultrasonic system used for the inspection of welds in T nodes is developed, in which a linear phased array transducer using electronic scan is adopted. This paper introduces the testing method of welds in T nodes, and the structure of the whole testing system. Optimization of array transducer has been also pursued based on a mathematical model of acoustic field for linear phased array. The experimental results have proved that the phased array transducer system had the same detectability as that of conventional ultrasonic transducer system, but the component part of the system can be simplified greatly, and the testing flexibility and the testing speed can be improved greatly. It provides an excellent base for the further research and development of the defect inspection of welds in TKY nodes.