Ultrasonic Wave Propagation Research Articles

Defect detection of grouting sleeve connection with energy ratio change in frequency domain

Controlling the grouting density is the key to ensure the construction quality of precast structures. Since the grouting sleeve is embedded in concrete, it is difficult to detect the grouting compactness of the sleeve. In this paper, the frequency domain analysis technique is used for non-destructive testing of concrete components with grouting defects. The collected ultrasonic testing signals are calibrated-denoised-decomposed-reconstructed. The damage degree of the grouting signal is evaluated and analyzed by quantifying the energy value of different frequency signals with two norms. Considering the effect of the random distribution of aggregates on the propagation of ultrasonic stress waves, a three-dimensional multi-point detection model and a two-dimensional plane single-point model based on piezoelectric effect are set up respectively. Results show that frequency energy distribution of the grout-deficient signal is concentrated to low-frequency range than that of grout-compact signal. When grouting defect accumulates to a certain extent, the main frequency may move from high-frequency band to lower-frequency band. Although the aggregates in different concrete components are randomly distributed, the test results of the two-dimensional plane model show that the validity of the defect quantitative index is 72%. The experimental tests results show that the method of using frequency energy transfer to lower-frequency band to determine grouting defects is effective, with a detection validity of 66.7%. Therefore, the non-destructive testing method for grouting sleeve compactness proposed in this paper can provide reference for engineering testing application.

A time-domain spectral finite element method for acoustoelasticity: Modeling the effect of mechanical loading on guided wave propagation

Ultrasonic testing techniques such as guided wave-based structural health monitoring aim to evaluate the integrity of a material with sensors and actuators that operate in situ, i.e. while the material is in use. Since ultrasonic wave propagation is sensitive to environmental conditions such as pre-deformation of the structure, the design and performance evaluation of monitoring systems in this context is a complicated task that requires quantitative data and the associated modeling effort. In our work, we propose a set of numerical tools to solve the problem of mechanical wave propagation in materials subjected to pre-deformation. This type of configuration is usually treated in the domain of acoustoelasticity. A relevant modeling approach is to consider two different problems: a quasi-static nonlinear problem for the large displacement field of the structure and a linearized time-domain wave propagation problem. After carefully reviewing the modeling ingredients to represent the configurations of interest, we propose an original combination of numerical tools that leads to a computationally efficient algorithm. More specifically, we use 3D shell elements for the quasi-static nonlinear problem and the time-domain spectral finite element method to numerically solve the wave propagation problem. Our approach can represent any type of material constitutive law, geometry or mechanical solicitation. We present realistic numerical results on 3D cases related to the monitoring of both isotropic and anisotropic materials, illustrating the genericity and efficiency of our method. We also validate our approach by comparing it to experimental data from the literature.

A probabilistic approach to modelling ultrasonic shear wave propagation in locally anisotropic heterogeneous media

A probabilistic approach to modelling ultrasonic shear wave propagation in locally anisotropic heterogeneous media

A Review of Ultrasonic Wave Propagation through Liquid Solutions

Abstract:: Understanding the molecular interactions in liquids or liquid mixtures of binary or ternary liquids is crucial for various applications. Numerous methods and tools exist to elucidate how atoms interact in such mixtures. This review examines multiple research papers investigating molecular interactions, focusing on the acoustic/ultrasonic technique. This technique employs ultrasonic waves to probe molecular interactions. Researchers utilized an ultrasonic interferometer to measure ultrasonic wave velocity, liquid den-sity can be determined by using a specific gravity bottle, and employed the Ostwald viscometer for viscosity measurements. Researchers derived several acoustic and thermodynamic parameters by evaluating ultrasonic wave velocity, liquid density, and viscosity. This comprehensive study dramatically contributes to understanding the molecular interactions within specific samples, with detailed explanations provided for the observed parameters. Ultra-sonic wave propagation influences the medium's physical characteristics; it includes knowledge of the physics of liquid and solution. How frequency and temperature affect thermo acoustical characteristics has been investigated. The nature of forces between molecules, including hydrogen bonds, charge transfer complexes, hydrogen bond breaking, and complexes, has been deduced from the investigations above.

Nondestructive Monitoring of Bacterial Intrinsic Self-Healing in Cementitious Structures Using Ultrasonic Wave Propagation

Nondestructive Monitoring of Bacterial Intrinsic Self-Healing in Cementitious Structures Using Ultrasonic Wave Propagation

Low-frequency ultrasonic array imaging for detecting concrete structural defects in blind zones

Ultrasonic array (UA) imaging is a promising non-destructive testing (NDT) method that is extensively used for defect detection. Due to the high attenuation characteristics of ultrasonic wave propagation in concrete structures and the directivity of sensors, the total focus method (TFM) easily misses specific defects in blind zones that are far from the sensors or located at a large deflection angle. To overcome this limitation, the diffusion attenuation compensation factor and solid directivity correction factor are adopted to improve the scattered signal energy of defects that are in blind zones. On this basis, the diffusion attenuation compensation method (DACM), the solid directivity correction method (SDCM), and the diffusion attenuation compensation-based solid directivity correction method (DAC-SDCM) are proposed. These methods are applied to characterize multiple circular holes in concrete structures using the dry point contact (DPC) low-frequency UA, and the detection results are evaluated from the intensity curve and detection area of ultrasonic images. The numerical and experimental results indicate that DACM is suitable for detecting defects located at longer distances, SDCM is capable of detecting defects located at larger deflection angles, and DAC-SDCM can significantly improve the detection performance of defects that are distant and have large deflection angles. The findings demonstrate that the proposed methods can significantly improve the detection ability of defects in blind zones and broaden the application of DPC low-frequency UA in the health monitoring of concrete structures.

A procedure for the identification of effective mechanical parameters of additively manufactured elements using integrated ultrasonic bulk and guided waves

The subject of the current work was a simple but robust novel two-stage procedure for the non-destructive determination of effective elastic constants using ultrasonic wave propagation. First, ultrasonic bulk wave velocities measured on cubic samples were used to calculate most of the elements of the stiffness matrix. Secondly, the remaining elements were determined using the dispersion curves of elastic guided waves measured on plate samples. Based on the complete stiffness matrix it was possible to calculate the complete set of effective elastic constants. The algorithm was verified for AM elements produced from PLA filament satisfying the conditions of transversely isotropic and orthotropic material models. For the transversely isotropic samples, Young’s moduli (E) varied from 2.6 to 2.9GPa, shear moduli (G) equalled between 0.9 and 1.2GPa, whereas Poisson’s ratios (ν) ranged between 0.20 and 0.32. In orthotropic sample the corresponding values were: E = 1.3–2.8GPa, G = 0.6–1.2GPa, and ν = 0.07–0.59. The results of the current study have been compared with references from the literature, giving satisfactory agreement.

Ultrasonic propagation characteristics of partial discharge in oil-impregnated paper traction transformer

Partial Discharges (PDs) are a significant factor in reducing the insulation life of traction transformers. In recent years, the Acoustic Emission (AE) method has become the most advanced method for detecting PD signals in transformers. The AE method utilizes AE sensors placed on the transformer tank to detect ultrasonic signals emitted by PD and determine the Time Of Arrival (TOA) of the head wave. The windings and cores of a traction transformer consist mainly of metal, which greatly affects the propagation of PD ultrasonic waves. This paper establishes a 110 kV “pressure acoustic, transient” physical field model of the traction transformer with dimensions of 4.63 × 1.48 × 2.84 m3. The model is used to carry out the PD pressure acoustic physical field simulation study of the traction transformer, to clarify the physical characteristics of the ultrasound of the PD defects, and to establish observation points on the transformer tanks to receive ultrasonic time-domain waveforms for PD detection. The simulation results indicate that PD ultrasonic waves exhibit complex propagation characteristics, including reflection, refraction, and reverberation, as they pass through the windings and cores to the observation points. The TOA of the head wave in the ultrasound time-domain waveform is indicated by the first maximum value of the wave crest line. Finally, this paper proposes a multi-level localization method based on the AE method to determine which winding generates the PD in the large-scale traction transformer using only four dynamically moving observation points.

Advancement in understanding ultrasonic wave propagation in metallic pipes by simulation and experimental validation

ABSTRACT Ultrasonic gauging and defect detection of metallic pipes is a multi-disciplinary task, as it has to be performed in situ and involves several difficulties due to their curvature, limited access and corroded/eroded surface roughness due to harsh operating conditions. This research paper focuses on the investigation of employing a focused piezoelectric transducer in an immersion pulse-echo (PE) mode to measure the wall thickness (WT) from the inner side of the metallic pipes and to detect defects in the pipes. This paper also provides advances for understanding ultrasonic wave propagation in metallic pipes by simulation study using modern finite element technology and validating the results experimentally using battery-operated, water-immersible, IP67-grade stand-alone two-channel ultrasonic instrumentation that can move inside the pipe under test in flowing liquids such as water or oil. A simulation model has been established for time-of-flight (TOF) measurements for metallic pipes with various wall thicknesses, detection of standard defects and wall-thinning by inspecting the inner diameter (ID) surface of pipes and the pipe filled with water. The simulated results for the metallic pipes are in good agreement with the experimental data, providing an accurate and quantitative assessment of WT in the presence or absence of defects.

Experimental investigation on the measurement performance of high-speed ultrasonic wave thermometry in ambient- and high-temperature environments

This study proposes a high-speed (∼500 Hz), non-intrusive ultrasonic-based temperature measurement method and investigate its performance characteristics by conducting a static behavior measurement at ambient temperature and a dynamic behavior measurement from ambient temperature to 700 °C. In the ambient-temperature experiment, the optimal design of the ultrasonic wave propagation tube is verified by comparing the collected signal intensities. The high repeatability of the ultrasonic wave measurement method is verified with Pearson correlation coefficients of over 99.96 % among the received raw ultrasonic wave signals for every 0.002 s. In the dynamic high-temperature experiment, the measurement accuracy is validated by comparing the temperature deviation from the thermocouple temperature. In the fast-rising low-temperature region around 25–100 °C, a high error rate (>100 %) is obtained; therefore, a signal-denoising algorithm and four candidates of post-processing equations are applied to improve the ultrasonic wave thermometry accuracy. In the four candidate equations, the optimal post-processing method is determined to be the one that yields a linear fitting with slope and intercept obtained in Kelvin temperature. The accuracy of ultrasonic wave thermometry is verified with the time-weighted average and standard deviation of error rates being 1.09 % and 1.10 %, respectively, significantly lower than those of typical commercial thermocouples. As ultrasonic wave thermometry can only perform line-integral measurement and not point measurement, it can be effective for anomaly detection of steady operating systems like gas turbines and boilers for power generation. Thus, fast-responsive, line-integral ultrasonic wave thermometry can be a diagnostic tool to reduce the risk of combustion instability accidents or other problems caused by rapid temperature change.

Numerical and experimental study of ultrasonic seismic waves propagation and attenuation on high‐quality factor samples

AbstractWe propose an approach for measuring seismic attenuation at ultrasonic frequencies on laboratory‐scale samples. We use a Gaussian filter to select a bandwidth of frequencies to identify the attenuation in a small window and, by moving the window across the frequency content of the data, we determine the frequency‐dependent attenuation function. We assess the validity of the method with three‐dimensional numerical simulations of seismic wave propagation across different sample geometries, using free surface boundary conditions. We perform the simulations using viscoelastic media under various seismic attenuation models. Our numerical results indicate that we can successfully recover the representative viscoelastic attenuation parameters of the media, regardless of the sample geometry, by processing the seismic signal recorded either within the volume or at the boundaries. Due to the equipartition phenomenon, the energy of S‐waves is consistently higher in seismic records than that of P‐waves. Therefore, we systematically recover the attenuating properties of S‐waves in the medium. We also conduct experiments of seismic wave propagation on samples of aluminum and Fontainebleau sandstone to validate our approach with real data. The quality factor of the S‐wave in the aluminum medium increases from 300 to 7000 between 60 kHz and 1.2 MHz. The Fontainebleau sandstone, which is more attenuating, exhibits a that increases from 200 at 60 kHz to 1000 at 1.2 MHz. With our approach, we are not only able to recover the attenuation property but also identify the frequency‐dependent attenuation model of the samples. Our method allows for seismic attenuation recovery at ultrasonic frequencies in low‐attenuating media.

Ultrasonic monitoring of hydration behavior of cement paste doped with triethanolamine using novel piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer

The propagation of ultrasonic wave in cement paste is closely related to its physical properties, and therefore shows a potential application in fields of online monitoring of hydration and hardening properties of the cementitious materials. Here, the hydration characteristics of cement paste doped with triethanolamine were studied based on the ultrasonic transmission method using the tailor-made horizontal omnidirectional piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer. The results show that clear ultrasonic waveforms can be observed at hydration age of 2 h. The dominant frequency of the reception wave is low at early hydration age and shifts towards the high frequency direction with hydration. The amplitude of the head wave increases sharply before hydration of 24 h, and the increasing extent decreases gradually until hydration of 166 h. The hydration process of cement at early hydration age can be classified into three stages based on amplitude changes of the head wave, that is, the induction period before 4 h, the acceleration period during 4–12 h, and the deceleration period after 12 h. The acoustic parameters of cement paste at early hydration age conform well to the logistic function distribution. The research finding might provide a new method to estimate hydration and hardening properties of cementitious materials, especially on large construction sites.

Non-Linear Thermophysical Behaviour of Transition Metal Titanium

The propagation of ultrasonic waves in the hexagonal closed packed (hcp) structured lanthanide metal titanium has been investigated in the temperature range 300–1000 K. For this, initially the higher-order elastic constants (second-order elastic constants (SOECs) and third-order elastic constants (TOECs)) were computed using the Lennard-Jones interaction potential model. With the help of SOECs, other elastic moduli such as Young’s modulus (Y), bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), Poisson’s ratio (σ) and Pugh’s ratio (B/G) were computed using the Voigt-Reuss-Hill approximation. Three types of orientation-dependent ultrasonic velocities, including Debye average velocities, were evaluated using the calculated SOECs and density of titanium in the same temperature range. Thermophysical properties such as lattice thermal conductivity, thermal relaxation time, thermal energy density, specific heat at constant volume and acoustic coupling constant were evaluated under the same physical conditions. The ultrasonic attenuation due to phonon-phonon interaction is most significant under the chosen physical conditions. The ultrasonic properties of titanium are correlated with thermophysical properties to understand the microstructural features and nature of the material.

Rheological investigation of bitumen, used for radioactive waste conditioning, with ultrasonic waves

In the context of bituminized radioactive waste storage and disposal, nucleation monitoring at room temperature and radiolysis bubbles migration at elevated temperature is crucial particularly in fire scenarios where bubble may impact thermal properties. Traditional methods are limited by the opacity of bitumen. To gain a deeper insight into bitumen rheology and ultrasonic wave propagation, we conducted a pilot study using ultrasonic testing cells spanning temperatures from 10°C to 60°C. Ultrasonic velocities and attenuations were measured at around 500 kHz in a 70/100 grade bitumen. Rheological information was deduced with the Time-Temperature Superposition principle and a behaviour model was proposed to describe bitumen across a wide frequency range. Notably, our study reveals a transition point around 50°C to 60°C, where bitumen’s liquid behaviour becomes dominant. The shear-thinning characteristics gradually give way to a more Newtonian response. Using the proposed model, ultrasonic attenuation and viscosity were estimated at 110°C. Acceptable ultrasonic frequencies for monitoring the nucleation and migration of radiolysis bubbles are discussed for future investigations. These findings have significant implications for safety measures and a deeper understanding of bitumen response within the realm of radioactive waste management.

Influência da variabilidade da temperatura de exposição na degradação do concreto em função da resistência à compressão e velocidade de propagação de onda ultrassônica

Abstract This study evaluated the influence of heating temperature variability on the degradation level of concrete by varying the exposure temperatures (200°C, 450°C, and 800°C) and concrete design strength (C25 and C40). The concretes were submitted to ultrasound tests (before and after heating) and then were ruptured by axial compression. After rupture, samples were taken from the fracture section of the specimens for microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and molecular analysis by Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the residual strength of the concrete can change significantly (values differing by more than 100%) with temperature variability in the oven. There were physicochemical changes in the concrete constituents. The variations in Raman spectra and morphological changes (SEM images) allowed to analyze the variation in the level of degradation of concrete after exposure to fire, at the same firing step, due to temperature variation in the ovens, being compatible with the results of compressive strength and ultrasonic wave propagation velocity (UPV). Thus, the study highlights the need for adequate mapping of the heat in the oven and monitoring of the temperature of specimens in studies of concrete at high temperatures.

State of Health Classification for Lead-acid Battery: A Data-driven Approach

In general, methods that use a data-driven approach in estimating lead-acid batteries’ State of Health (SoH) rely on measuring variables such as impedance, voltage, current, battery’s life cycle, and temperature. However, these variables only provide limited information about internal changes in the battery and often require sensors for accurate measurements. This study explores ultrasonic wave propagation within a lead-acid battery cell element to gather data and proposes a data-driven approach for classifying the SoH. The results demonstrate that a neural network classifier can effectively distinguish between two classes: 1) batteries in a healthy state with SoH greater than 80%, and 2) batteries in an unhealthy state with SoH less than 80%. The data-driven approach introduced in this study, which uses ultrasonic wave data, provides valuable information relative to the changes in the internal cell of the battery. Conventional external measurements may not capture this information. Consequently, it eliminates the need for additional sensor installations and offers a promising alternative for SoH classification.

Numerical simulation of the defect's behavior in building structure elements during ultrasonic diagnostics

One of the important scientific problems of modern construction is the detection of cracks in elements of building structures. Among a significant number of methods, ultrasound diagnostics is popular due to automation and speed of processing results. However, the accuracy of ultrasonic methods is in the range of 40%, which does not meet modern requirements. The article considers the problem of ultrasonic wave propagation in a brick and conducts a numerical analysis of the behavior of defects in the form of a crack. The results were obtained in the form of fields of displacements, deformations and stresses in the structure as a function of time. The results obtained make it possible to identify the characteristic features of the reaction of defects to dynamic impact and obtain numerical dependences of the response of the structure in comparison with samples without defects.

Two-Dimensional Damage Localization Using a Piezoelectric Smart Aggregate Approach-Implementation on Arbitrary Shaped Concrete Plates.

This paper presents the application of a hybrid approach for damage localization in concrete plates of arbitrary geometric shapes and a constant thickness. The hybrid algorithm utilizes fast discrete wavelet transformation, energy approach and time of flight criteria for the purpose of the localization of single- and multi-damage problems inside or on the periphery of concrete plates. A brief theoretical background of the hybrid method as well as numerical procedures for modeling the piezoelectric smart aggregate and ultrasonic wave propagation are presented. Experimental and numerical verification of the damage localization were performed on square samples/models with one or two damages and with 16 positions of piezoelectric smart actuator/sensor aggregates. After the verification of the hybrid method, a numerical simulation was performed on models with one or two damages for plates of arbitrary geometric shapes. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the proposed method can be applied to damage localization in concrete plates of arbitrary geometric shapes. The presented method and numerical procedure can be further used in research through varying the geometry, number and position of damages as well as the number and position of piezoelectric smart aggregates.

Modeling of Ultrasonic Flaw Detection Processes in the Task of Searching and Visualizing Internal Defects in Assemblies and Structures

Introduction. Inverse problems are a specific type of tasks where the consequences of phenomena are studied to identify their causes. They are widely used in scientific studies, specifically, those dealing with large amounts of experimental data. In the presented paper, inverse problems in mechanical engineering and structural diagnostics are considered. These areas require precise methods to identify internal defects in various materials, which can be critical to ensure the safety and efficiency of technical structures. Despite the many flaw detection methods available, there is a need for innovative developments that can provide higher accuracy and efficiency. This study integrates different scientific methods and technologies. It opens up new perspectives in nondestructive testing for the detection of internal defects in various materials and structures. Its objective is to develop and implement nondestructive testing methods based on a neural network device to improve the accuracy of defect identification, as well as to build a neural network model and evaluate its effectiveness for the refinement of ultrasonic visualization of internal defects in solid materials. In this regard, the task to be solved is to create a reliable tool for accurate visualization of sizes, shapes, location and orientation of internal defects in various materials.Materials and Methods. The technique of determining the geometric parameters of defects in materials through nondestructive testing is used. The approach combining modeling of ultrasonic wave propagation in acoustic medium and artificial neural network technologies is applied. This approach identifies nonlinear relationships between the geometry of defects and the amplitude-frequency and amplitude-time data obtained during signal analysis. Artificial neural networks are a model that can be trained on examples, which provides for an effective solution to problems that are difficult to express in traditional forms. The study uses the finite difference method in the time domain. It is applied to identify and visualize internal defects in materials using ultrasonic nondestructive testing and convolutional generative neural networks.Results. A convolutional neural network has been developed to visualize internal defects using ultrasonic nondestructive testing techniques. This neural network successfully determines the size of defects, their location, shape and orientation with high accuracy and reliability.Discussion and Conclusion. The authors highlight the key influence of defect size on the accuracy of ultrasonic imaging in various scenarios. The validation of the model for three different cases of defects with different mechanical parameters has shown that for successful visualization of defects, the wavelength of the ultrasonic pulse must be ten times smaller than the size of the defect. When analyzing the impact of defect size on the accuracy of the neural network, it is found that the visualization error increases for defects of smaller size. It has also been found that the relative speed of sound in materials has a greater effect on the accuracy of the method than the relative density of the material. Based on the results obtained by the authors, it can be argued that the developed methods and technical solutions are of great importance for future research in the field of flaw detection. They have significant potential for scientific and practical applications.

Use of backscattering ultrasound parameters for iron ore varieties recognition

Purpose. Development of the method for recognizing the main mineral-technological varieties of iron ore in the deposits being developed by selecting an analytical model for the spectral characteristics of the received ultrasonic echo signals and quantitative assessment of their parameters. Methodology. The work uses methods for modeling the processes of propagation of ultrasonic waves in a randomly heterogeneous medium. The process of backscattering of ultrasound in mineral structures formed by inclusions of iron ore of various varieties and associated rock was considered. The estimated parameters of the spectral characteristics of the inversely scattered probing ultrasound pulse were studied. Findings. A method for recognizing the main mineral and technological varieties of iron ore of the deposit being developed, based on the parameters of the propagation of ultrasonic waves in the studied samples, was proposed. This is achieved by selecting an analytical model for the spectral characteristics of the received echo signals and quantifying their parameters. The amplitude of the echo signal and its spectral properties depends on the size and concentration of the scatterers, i.e., the structural and textural features of the iron ore sample under study. Taking into account these factors, the extracted parameters of the model were used to identify the main mineralogical and technological varieties of iron ore of the studied deposit. Originality. The proposed method for recognizing mineral-technological varieties of iron ore differs from the known ones in that the amplitude, central frequency, and bandwidth of the amplitude spectrum of the Gaussian parametric model of the measured echo signals are used as evaluation parameters. Practical value. The proposed scientific and technical solution allows for operational non-destructive control of the main mineralogical and technological types of iron ore in the process of its extraction and processing.