Dual-Element Ultrasonic Probe for Flaw Detection in Rifled Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic flaw-detection methods, such as the angle beam testing method, are limited by requiring a smooth tube surface and increased testing time for rifled tubes, while the creeping flaw-detection method has lower detection capability and requires probe changes for smooth and rifled tubes, leading to prolonged detection times.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic testing probe with two probes, one generating longitudinal ultrasonic waves on the inner surface and the other on the outer surface, allowing for flaw detection using secondary creeping waves and creeping waves, respectively, enabling detection irrespective of tube shape and reducing detection time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the angle beam testing method is used for smooth tubes, then flaw detection precision is improved, but the method cannot be applied to rifled tubes and requires probe scanning which increases testing time
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into two distinct probe sections: a first probe section for generating and detecting secondary creeping waves on the inner surface, and a second probe section for generating and detecting creeping waves on the outer surface. This segmentation allows each probe section to be optimized for specific tube types and testing scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic testing probe integrates multiple functions into a single device by incorporating both the first probe section (for secondary creeping waves) and the second probe section (for creeping waves). This multi-functional design enables the probe to detect flaws in both smooth tubes and rifled tubes without requiring probe changes, thereby improving versatility while maintaining adaptability across different tube types.
2Productivity
If the creeping flaw-detection method is used, then testing time is reduced, but flaw detection capability and precision are lower
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic testing probe merges both the first probe section (for secondary creeping waves) and the second probe section (for creeping waves) into a single integrated device. This combination enables simultaneous execution of both angle beam testing and creeping flaw-detection methods, allowing the system to achieve high detection precision for small flaws while maintaining efficient testing speed through creeping wave propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating multiple probe sections that operate simultaneously with different ultrasonic wave modes, the system maintains continuous and comprehensive flaw detection capability throughout the testing process, eliminating the need to switch between different testing methods or probes.
3Measurement precision
If both angle beam testing and creeping flaw-detection are performed separately, then comprehensive flaw detection is achieved, but probe changes are required which increases testing time
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic testing probe integrates multiple functions into a single device by incorporating both the first probe section (for generating and detecting secondary creeping waves) and the second probe section (for generating and detecting creeping waves). This multi-functional design enables the probe to detect flaws in both smooth tubes and rifled tubes without requiring probe changes, thereby improving versatility while maintaining adaptability across different tube types.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic testing probe merges both the first probe section (for secondary creeping waves) and the second probe section (for creeping waves) into a single integrated device. This combination enables simultaneous execution of both angle beam testing and creeping flaw-detection methods, allowing the system to achieve high detection precision for small flaws while maintaining efficient testing speed through creeping wave propagation.
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 solution allows for efficient flaw detection with higher precision and reduced time, maintaining detection capability across different tube shapes without the need for probe changes, thus overcoming the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of oscillators that transmit ultrasonic waves to a tested object and detect ultrasonic waves reflected from the tested object
Implementation Method 2
the first probe generates longitudinal ultrasonic waves that propagate on an inner surface of the tested object
Implementation Method 3
transverse ultrasonic waves that propagate from the outer surface toward an inside of the tested object
Implementation Method 4
the second probe generates longitudinal ultrasonic waves that propagate on the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an ultrasonic testing probe and an ultrasonic testing apparatus capable of reducing the time required for flaw detection while maintaining the flaw-detection capability, irrespective of the shape of the inner surface of a tested object. A first probe (21) and a second probe (22) are provided, in each of which a plurality of oscillators that transmit ultrasonic waves to a tested object (T) and detect the ultrasonic waves reflected from the tested object (T) are arrayed. The first probe (21) is disposed closer to a flaw in the tested object (T) than the second probe (22) is. The first probe (21) generates longitudinal ultrasonic waves that propagate on an inner surface (T5) of the tested object (T) opposite to an outer surface (T2) thereof where the first probe (21) and the second probe (22) are disposed and transverse ultrasonic waves that propagate from the outer surface (T2) toward an inside of the tested object (T). The second probe (22) generates longitudinal ultrasonic waves that propagate on the outer surface (T2) and longitudinal ultrasonic waves that propagate from the outer surface (T2) toward the inside of the tested object (T).