Ultrasonic Beam Propagation Through a Bimetallic Weld — A Comparison of Predictions of the Gauss-Hermite Beam Model and Finite Element Method

Abstract

In this paper, predictions of two models for the propagation of ultrasonic beams through a two-dimensional, bimetallic weld geometry are compared. The finite element method can predict beam propagation through quite general geometry with high accuracy. This model, however, requires significant computational time. On the other hand, the approximate Gauss-Hermite model offers considerably greater computational speed, but has lower accuracy in certain regions and cannot treat the most general geometries and inhomogeneities in material properties. This paper compares the performances of the two models for the case of the two-dimensional, bimetallic weld consisting of multiple layers, some of which have anisotropic properties. It is found that the results of the two models are in good agreement in the vicinity of the central ray, and that the deviation increases as one moves away from the axis. Also, as the beam propagates through multiple interfaces, the accuracy of the Gauss-Hermite solution decreases.