Low-cost laser ultrasonic arrays for the inspection of safety critical components

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Compared with conventional piezoelectric transducers, laser ultrasonics can provide non-contact, couplant free and remote inspection. Hence it has applications for situations with limited access, hazardous environment and/or for components with geometrically complexity. However, laser ultrasonic systems have generally been big and expensive machines unable to move beyond the lab. This drawback brings further challenge to develop laser ultrasonic phased array systems, which require multiple lasers for ultrasonic generation and complicated experimental setups. Another drawback associated with laser ultrasonics is serious signal-to[1]noise limitation. This significantly limits the application of the technique in practice. The aim of this proposed project is to develop a low-cost, portable and robust laser ultrasonic array system to allow a wide range of non-contact and remote ultrasonic testing applications in high value manufacturing, aerospace and for areas of plant that are difficult to access. It will provide a low-cost, high-speed tool for manufacture and in-service inspection of high value safety critical components, where conventional ultrasonic inspection cannot be applied.