New ultrasonic array structure for fixed condition monitoring in solid media

• Published in: Ultrasonics Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 210 - 220
• Main Authors: Hayward, G., McNab, A., Cochran, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.07.1989; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Acoustics; contact testing; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); monitoring; Physics; ultrasonic array; ultrasonic imaging; Ultrasonics, quantum acoustics, and physical effects of sound; ultrasonic array; monitoring; contact testing; ultrasonic imaging; Pulse echo method; Insertion loss; Measuring network; Acoustic image; Non destructive test; Ultrasound; Crack
• ISSN: 0041-624X; 1874-9968
• DOI: 10.1016/0041-624X(89)90044-9

An ultrasonic array structure consisting of a monolithic piezoelectric plate attached to a separate electrode assembly via epoxy bonding has been developed for monitoring the condition of solid test subjects using a directly coupled configuration. This paper describes the new structure and outlines the techniques which have been developed for the convenient and reliable construction of prototype high frequency linear arrays, using minimal equipment. Typical array characteristics including back wall pulse-echo responses, element impedance measurements and element directivity are presented, together with appropriate comparative theoretical results. The image quality attainable using the structure is demonstrated by experimental results obtained from a selection of test pieces.