Phased Array

Topics

 Introduction to Ultrasonic Phased Array

 New Techniques

 Industrial Applications

 Advantages

 Challenges

 The Future
What is Phased Array?

 Multi-element transducers and instrumentation

 Electrically steer and/or focus ultrasound
How does it work ?

 Transmission (Tx)
 Elements pulsed at controlled time intervals
 Control of beam direction and focusing
 The delays are known as Tx Focal Laws

Beam Steering
Wave front formed by constructive
interference between wavelets

Beam Focusing
How does it work ? (cont’d)

 Reception (Rx)
 RF waveforms received by each element are delayed, then averaged
 Delays used to align the signals = Rx Focal Laws

•Ultrasound reflects from defect

–Elements receive ultrasound at different times due to the different beam paths
–Signals then aligned by electronic circuitry
How does it work ? (cont’d)

Single point of focus

What if the defect lies beyond the focus point ?

How does it work ? (cont’d)

Solution = Dynamic Depth Focusing

Focal Zone

• Rx Focal Laws are modified for each element

• Result = Extended Focal zone
How does it work ? (cont’d)

Example - Dynamic Depth Focusing (DDF)

Single Focus 25mm Single Focus 75mm Dynamic Focus 25

to 75mm

•Good Near Surface •Poor Near Surface •Good Near Surface

•Poor Backwall •Good Backwall •Good Backwall

Summary

 Transmitted (TX) ultrasonic beams can be electronically steered and focused

 Received (RX) ultrasound can also be steered and focused

 Focussing over an extended range, not only at a single point = Dynamic

Depth Focusing
New Techniques
Sectorial scan

Multiple Focal Laws

Beam is swept through many angles

Wide coverage of the specimen
Side Drilled Holes

Backwall
Electronic / Linear scanning
Each PRF cycle
Aperture moves through the length of the array
No raster movement required
Full volumetric coverage achieved

Each PRF cycle

Aperture moves through the length of array
No raster movement required
Full volumetric weld coverage achieved
Linear scanning

Physical scan movement in one axis only

Full axial weld coverage achieved
Industrial Applications
Corrosion mapping - Aircraft Lap Joins

•Probe with flexible membrane

– rides over rivets
–detects corrosion under lap joints
Corrosion detection – inaccessible areas

Inspect area under reinforcement plate

Defect Geometry Reflections

Composite testing – Aircraft structure
Composite Honeycomb Disbond Disbond
Structure Core
Pipeline inspection – Zone Discrimination (AUT)

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

• Weld zoned - inspect with focused waves from both sides. (Up/Down
stream)
• Fast, reliable weld inspection (ASME/ASTM/API compliant)
• Mechanics simpler & more reliable
–Conventional UT = 1 probe per zone
–Phased Array = 1 probe covers all zones
Pipeline inspection (Cont’d)

Recording Threshold

Shaded area
shows TOF

Colours indicate
Above / Below
Acceptance thresholds

Amplitude Data

Data from Data from Threshold

Up-stream Chanels Down-stream channels breaking defects.
Pipeline inspection (Cont’d)

Automated scanner incorporates

TD Handy-ScanRX

TD Focus-Scan mounted
In vehicle
Complex geometries - Turbine blade root
Advantages

 One transducer covers many angles (improved coverage)

 Increased inspection speed
 Can produce Compression or Shear waves
 Greater resolution (improved flaw sizing)
 Much improved signal to noise ratio
 Increased penetration & sensitivity
 Improved POD
 Focus control (point & ddf)
 Improved visual representation (imaging)
Challenges

 Array footprint can be large

 Probe cable, very delicate

 Application / equipment set-up can be complex

 Trained / experienced personnel

 Applied application information

The Future of Phased Array Inspection

 Cheaper, faster, smaller instrumentation

 More qualified/experienced personnel

 Improvement of Codes & Standards

 Wider application of phased array UT

 Tools for application simulation

Thank you for your attention