Defect Sizing with Fixed and Variable Wavelength Guided Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guided wave sizing methods for defect characterization in structures, such as the frequency cutoff technique, face limitations including material conductivity restrictions, signal weakness, and inefficacy in measuring short and deep defects, as well as limitations in close-range applications due to transducer design and wave propagation issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel guided wave system utilizing a magnetostrictive-strip EMAT transducer with fixed-wavelength and variable-wavelength analysis, combined with artificial intelligence processing, to enhance signal-to-noise ratio and accurately determine defect sizes in various materials and geometries, allowing for both amplitude and frequency measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Lorentz force EMAT magnet array transducer is used to generate different frequencies, then frequency range is improved, but signal strength deteriorates and transducer complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into two separate transducers: one dedicated to generating ultrasonic waves at a specific frequency, and another dedicated to receiving waves at variable frequencies. This segmentation allows each transducer to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining strong signal generation while enabling broad frequency analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical scanning system as an intermediary between the fixed-frequency transmitter and the variable-frequency receiver. The scanner mechanically positions the receiver at different distances from the defect, enabling frequency analysis without requiring the transmitter to generate multiple frequencies simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Lorentz force EMAT magnet array transducer is used, then material adaptability is improved, but magnetic field interference worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency variation capability from the transmitter and assigns it to the receiver side through mechanical scanning. This removes the source of magnetic field interference (the magnet array) from the signal generation process, eliminating reverberations while preserving the ability to analyze multiple frequencies.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If frequency cutoff technique is used for defect sizing, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for short and deep defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic frequency analysis by mechanically scanning the receiver at varying distances from the defect. This creates a dynamic measurement process where the received signal frequency content changes with position, enabling more precise characterization of defect geometry including short and deep defects that static frequency cutoff methods cannot accurately measure.
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
The system provides improved defect sizing accuracy and signal strength, enabling effective characterization of defects in diverse materials and geometries, including those previously inaccessible due to material or size constraints, with enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and applicability to a broader range of structures.
Implementation Method 1
A novel guided wave system utilizing a magnetostrictive-strip EMAT transducer
Implementation Method 2
at least one RF coil for fixed-wavelength measurements, at least one RF coil for variable-wavelength measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sizing defects in solid structures using guided waves. The system includes a magnetostrictive-strip EMAT transducer comprising at least one biasing static magnetic field, at least one RF coil for fixed-wavelength measurements, at least one RF coil for variable-wavelength measurements, and a strip of highly magnetostrictive material that is coupled with the structure. The fixed-wavelength RF coil permits obtaining measurements of amplitude and frequency content of signals reflected and/or attenuated when traveling through the structure which are used to estimate the size and geometry of any defects in this structure. The variable-wavelength RF coil permits recording the frequencies that are cut off or pass through the structure to also estimate the size of any defects in the structure. The fixed-wavelength sizing and geometry assessment is used to determine whether the variable-wavelength estimate is valid. The final assessment is based on the fixed-wavelength estimate, the variable-wavelength estimate, or a combination of both.