Multi-modal ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation with phased arrays

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The field of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is concerned with the inspection of materials (without harming them),in order to keep the structures we live in, the machinery we work with, the vehicles we ride in safe and reliable. Ultrasound, used in medicine, is also used to conduct NDE inspections and to locate and identify dangerous flaws such as cracks in materials. Such ultrasonic inspections, however, involve a very complex combination of electrical and acoustic/elastic components. Modeling of these components is the focus of this research program. Specifically, we will develop computer-based models of ultrasonic NDE systems that use phased array transducers and mode-converted ultrasonic waves. Phased array transducers allow one to scan a component electronically making inspections cheaper and faster.They also allow us to generate and receive waves of different types, including mode-converted waves that are not observable by conventional transducers. Having the ability to model such multi-modal responses using phased arrays will allow us to develop significantly improved ultrasonic inspection systems. The direct beneficiaries will be the engineers who perform inspections on major structures such as aircraft, pipelines, bridges and nuclear reactors. The general public will also benefit by those engineers having the advanced methods developed here to keep those structures safe and reliable.