Circular Piezoelectric Array for Bolt Ultrasonic Guided Wave Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive testing methods for structural bolts, such as magnetic particle inspection, dye penetrant testing, and conventional ultrasonic testing, are limited in their ability to detect defects in-situ and efficiently cover the entire bolt length, especially under fluctuating load conditions, leading to potential fatigue failure and catastrophic structural failure.
Innovation Solution
The use of a circular array of discrete piezoelectric transduction elements on the bolt end surface to generate and receive ultrasonic guided waves, specifically the fundamental torsional guided wave mode, which allows for 100% thickness coverage and detection of defects without the need for scanning, enabling rapid and efficient in-situ inspection of long structural bolts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ultrasonic testing with single transducer is used, then the inspection can be performed portably without removing bolts, but the testing is time-consuming and requires point-by-point scanning to achieve adequate coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single transducer into multiple discrete piezoelectric transduction elements arranged in a circular array. This segmentation allows simultaneous excitation of multiple wave paths through the bolt, achieving complete circumferential and longitudinal coverage without mechanical scanning, thus resolving the contradiction between portability and testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear scanning in one dimension to circular array arrangement in two dimensions (circumferential and axial). This dimensional change enables parallel testing of multiple bolt regions simultaneously, eliminating the time-consuming point-by-point scanning while maintaining the portable in-situ inspection capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic testing with scanning transducers is used, then adequate coverage of the bolt area can be achieved, but the interpretation of received signals becomes difficult due to geometric echoes, mode conversions, and reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns specific functional roles to different elements in the circular array - some elements are dedicated to transmitting ultrasonic waves while others are dedicated to receiving. This local differentiation simplifies signal interpretation by separating transmitted and received signals, eliminating the complexity of distinguishing between geometric echoes, mode conversions, and actual defect reflections that occurs with single transducer scanning.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic particle inspection or dye penetrant testing is used, then high sensitivity to defects can be achieved, but direct access to the whole bolt structure is required which prevents in-situ inspection of installed bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection system into multiple discrete piezoelectric elements that can be arranged in a circular pattern on the bolt end surface. This segmentation enables the system to achieve comprehensive defect detection sensitivity comparable to conventional methods while requiring access to only one end of the bolt, thus enabling in-situ inspection of installed bolts without complete disassembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If radiography or eddy current testing is used for in-situ inspection, then defects can be detected without removing bolts, but the testing becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a stationary circular array of piezoelectric elements that generate and detect ultrasonic guided waves. This substitution eliminates the need for time-consuming mechanical scanning while maintaining in-situ inspection capability, significantly improving testing efficiency and reducing costs through parallel signal acquisition from multiple elements simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables accurate and efficient detection of defects along the entire bolt length, simplifies signal interpretation due to non-dispersive wave propagation, and allows for real-time structural health monitoring of installed bolts, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure by identifying issues before they become severe.
Implementation Method 1
the piezoelectric transduction elements may be configured and arranged to deform, upon an application of the electric excitation wave signal, in an in-phase shearing motion parallel to the first end surface
Implementation Method 2
The response wave can be received and correspondingly converted by the piezoelectric transduction elements into the electric response wave signal
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for non-destructive testing of a component part, which may include a first end surface and a second opposite end surface. The arrangement may include a plurality of discrete piezoelectric transduction elements arranged in a circular array on the first end surface, and an electric wave signal transmitting and receiving unit electrically coupled to the piezoelectric transduction elements. The electric wave signal transmitting and receiving unit may be able to generate an electric excitation wave signal and to receive an electric response wave signal. The piezoelectric transduction elements may deform, upon an application of the electric excitation wave signal, in an in-phase shearing motion parallel to the first end surface and in respective tangential direction with respect to the circular array so as to generate a corresponding structure-borne wave in the component part at the first end surface such that said structure-borne wave can propagate in the component part.