Ultrasonic Test Equipment Nonlinear Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic testing techniques face limitations in detecting defects over a wide range and obtaining accurate depth information, particularly for structural materials, as they either lack sensitivity or require extensive signal processing and hardware load, and existing methods either deteriorate sensitivity or are not practical for real-time, wide-range defect detection.
Innovation Solution
The use of low-frequency and nonlinear ultrasonic waves to detect defects in a wide range by generating nonlinear components from crack surfaces, allowing for the extraction of defect length and depth information through advanced signal processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of sensors in the array probe is increased to expand the test range, then the test range is increased, but the probe volume becomes larger and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from conventional high frequency (several MHz) to low frequency (several hundred kHz or lower). This parameter change allows the use of fewer sensors while achieving a larger test range, as low-frequency waves have longer wavelengths and can cover larger areas with fewer elements, thereby resolving the contradiction between test range and probe volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nonlinear frequency components (harmonics) as an additional dimension for defect detection. By analyzing harmonic components generated by defects, the system achieves enhanced detection capability without increasing the physical probe size, effectively adding a spectral dimension to the detection process
2Area of stationary object
If the number of sensors is increased to increase test range, then the test range is increased, but the hardware processing load increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing to low-frequency operation, the patent reduces the number of sensors needed, which directly reduces the hardware processing load. Fewer sensors mean fewer channels to process and less data to manage, resolving the contradiction between test range and hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and analyzes only the nonlinear harmonic components generated by defects, rather than processing all frequency components from all sensors. This selective extraction approach reduces processing load while maintaining detection effectiveness
3Measurement precision
If conventional high-frequency ultrasonic waves are used, then resolution is maintained, but the test range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter from high to low, accepting reduced spatial resolution in exchange for extended test range. However, it compensates by introducing nonlinear frequency analysis, which provides enhanced defect characterization capabilities that offset the resolution trade-off
Solution Approach 2:
By adding the dimension of nonlinear harmonic analysis, the patent creates a new information space for defect detection. The harmonic components provide additional defect characteristics that compensate for the reduced spatial resolution inherent in low-frequency operation
4Area of stationary object
If the probe size is increased to expand test range, then the test range is increased, but resolution is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter to low frequency, which inherently allows for larger effective aperture without the resolution degradation that would occur with high-frequency large probes. Low-frequency waves are less sensitive to aperture size effects, resolving this contradiction
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
Enables extensive and accurate quantitative evaluation of defect size and depth, improving the efficiency and reliability of ultrasonic testing by effectively detecting defects over a larger area with reduced hardware load and real-time capability.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitting mechanism for transmitting, to the object to be tested, the low-frequency ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
The UT utilizes a phenomenon of reflection or diffraction caused by an ultrasonic wave entering a defect or the like
Implementation Method 3
The UT utilizes a phenomenon of reflection or diffraction caused by an ultrasonic wave entering a defect or the like
Implementation Method 4
an analyzing mechanism for analyzing the received ultrasonic signal by use of frequency analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
An ultrasonic test equipment includes: a signal generating mechanism that generates a voltage waveform; an ultrasonic transmitting mechanism that excites ultrasonic vibrations having a lower frequency than a predetermined frequency to an object to be tested; an ultrasonic receiving mechanism that receives an ultrasonic response from the object to be tested; an AD converting mechanism that digitizes the received ultrasonic waveform; an analyzing mechanism that performs frequency analysis of the digital ultrasonic waveform digitized by the AD converting mechanism; an evaluating mechanism that extracts a variation of a nonlinear ultrasonic component from a frequency component of the digital ultrasonic wave obtained by the frequency analysis, compares the variation with defect data information in a defect information database, identifies a physical quantity of defect information of the object to be tested, and evaluates a defect in the object to be tested; and a control mechanism that partly or entirely controls a measurement system.