Ultrasonic Alloy Sensitization Detection System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining alloy sensitization are difficult to use, time-consuming, destructive, and require dangerous chemicals, making them unsafe and unreliable for nondestructive testing.

Innovation Solution

The system uses ultrasonic techniques such as pulse-echo and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy to measure ultrasonic parameters like shear-wave velocity and attenuation coefficient, correlating these to determine alloy sensitization without damaging the alloy, using a computer system for data collection and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If chemical-based tests are used to determine alloy sensitization, then measurement precision is improved, but the testing becomes destructive and requires dangerous chemicals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitization detection accuracyVSAvoiddestructive testing and dangerous chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical-based testing methods with ultrasonic testing methods. Instead of using chemical reactions (oxalic acid, ferric sulfate, nitric acid, copper-copper sulfate solutions) to detect sensitization, the invention uses ultrasonic waves to measure changes in elastic moduli and sound velocities that occur during sensitization. This substitution eliminates the need for dangerous chemicals and destructive sampling while maintaining measurement capability through nondestructive acoustic measurement of the alloy's physical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If chemical-based tests are used to determine alloy sensitization, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitization detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic testing method measures sensitization by detecting changes in sound velocity and attenuation through the alloy, providing rapid results without the lengthy chemical processing, immersion, and analysis steps required by traditional chemical tests. The ultrasonic measurements can be performed quickly and continuously, significantly reducing the time required to detect sensitization while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If ultrasonic testing is used to measure sensitization, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and ease of useVSAvoidsensitization detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent measures multiple ultrasonic parameters (compressional-wave velocity, shear-wave velocity, attenuation coefficient) and correlates changes in these parameters to detect sensitization. By monitoring the combined changes in elastic moduli reflected through multiple acoustic parameters rather than relying on a single measurement, the method maintains measurement precision while providing the safety and ease of operation inherent in nondestructive ultrasonic testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a safer, easier-to-use, and more accurate method for determining alloy sensitization, avoiding the limitations of traditional chemical-based tests by using nondestructive ultrasonic measurements.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting ultrasonic waves through the alloy and measuring the velocity and attenuation of the received waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave transmission: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

The combined effect of scattering and absorption is called attenuation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWave attenuation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

piezoelectric acoustic transducer techniques

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 4

As the atomic bonds change with the structure, the elastic moduli of the alloy change, and, with them, the sound velocities change

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic modulus change: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10416120B2System and methods for determining sensitization of alloy by measuring and correlating ultrasonic parameters

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE

AI summary

The present invention relates generally to a system and methods for testing sensitization of alloy nondestructively. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and methods for determining the sensitization of an alloy by measuring ultrasonic parameters of the alloy using ultrasonic techniques, and correlating the measured ultrasonic parameters. In certain embodiments, the ultrasonic measuring techniques include pulse-echo and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy. Certain embodiments use ultrasonic measuring techniques to measure shear-wave velocity, compressional-wave velocity, and attenuation coefficient of compressional waves. One preferred embodiment correlates measured ultrasonic parameters including shear-wave velocity, compressional-wave velocity, and attenuation coefficient of compressional waves to determine the sensitization of alloy. Advantageously, certain embodiments of the invention make it easier to collect, store, and correlate measured ultrasonic parameters through use of a computer system.