Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Research Articles

Determination of Parameters of Gas Phase Moving in Liquid Metal-Gas Flow in Magnetic Field of Permanent Magnets by Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Method

Determination of Parameters of Gas Phase Moving in Liquid Metal-Gas Flow in Magnetic Field of Permanent Magnets by Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Method

Dielectric, elastic and piezoelectric properties of single domain Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–6.5%PbTiO3 single crystal with 3m symmetry measured using one sample

In order to use finite element simulation to design electromechanical devices, self-consistent full tensor material properties are needed. The IEEE resonance technique usually requires more than 5 different geometry samples to complete the full tensor characterization, but the poling degree will depend on the sample geometry in relaxor-base ferroelectric single crystals. Hence, it is very difficult to obtain self-consistent full tensor properties using multiple samples. In this study, we used only one sample to determine the whole set of materials properties for single domain PZN–6.5%PT single crystals by combining the ultrasonic pulse-echo (UPE) method and the resonance ultrasonic spectroscopy (RUS) for the elastic and piezoelectric coefficients and the impedance analyzer for dielectric measurements. Comparison with other reported results show the advantage of our methodology and such self-consistent date set would facilitate fundamental studies on domain engineering technique as well as device design optimization using finite element software.

Exploration of an ultrasonic pulse echo system for comparison of milks, creams, and their dilutions

Rapid measurements are valuable in food authentication. As a first step towards application of sound for fast food authentication, the influence of fat content and dilution of liquid milk/cream products on their ultrasound characteristics was examined. A total of 18 liquid dairy products, ranging in fat content from 0 to 60 g/100 g product, including nine cream samples and nine milk samples, were diluted to four levels, which resulted in 90 samples. Ultrasonic velocity, together with physical properties including viscosity, density, and macronutrient composition of the tested dairy products, was determined. The results show that the ultrasonic velocity in the dairy products increased with a decreasing fat content of the samples. There was a significant positive correlation between the velocity and density, which was further related to the impact of the fat content. Water dilution caused different changes in velocity, depending on the ratio of fat content and continuous phase of the samples. A higher fat content of the samples resulted in a smaller effect of dilution on velocity. This study showed that the ultrasonic system allows rapid and non-destructive analysis for comparison of liquid dairy samples and appears promising for detection of dilution.

Оценка реальной чувствительности приемочного ультразвукового контроля рельсов

In this article, the analysis of the acoustic path during the ultrasonic pulse echo testing of the rail head in production is carried out. The influence of the parameters of the applied piezoelectric transducers on the distribution of sensitivity for the sounding scheme used in the existing installations is estimated and the real sensitivity of detecting defects of the «non-metallic inclusion» type is estimated.

Measurement Modulus of Elasticity Related to the Atomic Density of Planes in Unit Cell of Crystal Lattices.

Young’s modulus (E) is one of the most important parameters in the mechanical properties of solid materials. Young’s modulus is proportional to the stress and strain values. There are several experimental and theoretical methods for gaining Young’s modulus values, such as stress–strain curves in compression and tensile tests, electromagnetic-acoustic resonance, ultrasonic pulse echo and density functional theory (DFT) in different basis sets. Apparently, preparing specimens for measuring Young’s modulus through the experimental methods is not convenient and it is time-consuming. In addition, for calculating Young’s modulus values by software, presumptions of data and structures are needed. Therefore, this new method for gaining the Young’s modulus values of crystalline materials is presented. Herein, the new method for calculating Young’s modulus of crystalline materials is extracted by X-ray diffraction. In this study, Young’s modulus values were gained through the arbitrary planes such as random (hkl) in the research. In this study, calculation of Young’s modulus through the relationship between elastic compliances, geometry of the crystal lattice and the planar density of each plane is obtained by X-ray diffraction. Sodium chloride (NaCl) with crystal lattices of FCC was selected as the example. The X-ray diffraction, elastic stiffness constant and elastic compliances values have been chosen by the X’Pert software, literature and experimental measurements, respectively. The elastic stiffness constant and Young’s modulus of NaCl were measured by the ultrasonic technique and, finally, the results were in good agreement with the new method of this study. The aim of the modified Williamson–Hall (W–H) method in the uniform stress deformation model (USDM) utilized in this paper is to provide a new approach of using the W–H equation, so that a least squares technique can be applied to minimize the sources of errors.

Elastic Properties of Vanadium Doped Silica-Borotellurite Glasses

Silica borotellurite glasses doped with different molar fraction of V2O5 have been prepared by melt quenching technique. The elastic properties of {[(TeO2)0.7 (B2O3)0.3]0.8(SiO2)0.2}(1-x)(V2O5)x glasses are investigated using ultrasonic pulse echo measurements and their elastic properties have been characterized at room temperature. The density of the glasses was measured by Archimedes method using distilled water as buoyant liquid. The ultrasonic wave velocities (longitudinal, vl and shear, vS) were recorded at 5 MHz. Elastic moduli, Poisson’s ratio (σ) and microhardness (H) were then calculated to obtain quantitative analysis regarding the structure of these glasses. The results obtained showed that the doping of V2O5 with silica borotellurite enhances the strengthening of glass network. Glass with 0.03 molar fraction of V205 shows low ultrasonic velocities and low elastic moduli. The variation of elastic properties is related to the change of structure in the vanadium doped silica-borotellurite glass system.

Ultrasonic pulse-echo technique for the characterization of elastic constants of single domain Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–5.5%PbTiO3 single crystals with 3m symmetry

The ultrasonic pulse-echo (UPE) technique is a classical method to characterize the elastic constants of solid materials. However, no detailed analysis exists in the literature regarding the application of this technique on the characterization of relaxor–PbTiO3 single crystals with 3m symmetry. This study systematically investigated the UPE technique for the characterization of elastic constants of [111]c poled Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3–5.5%PbTiO3 single domain single crystals with 3m symmetry. Longitudinal and transversal wave echoes in a rectangular parallelepiped sample were identified based on the theory of wave propagation in piezoelectric materials. Experimental results showed that $$c_{11}^{\text{E}}$$ and $$c_{33}^{\text{D}}$$ can be directly and precisely determined by UPE, but $$c_{44}^{\text{E}}$$ cannot be determined by UPE neither directly nor indirectly. The elastic constants $$c_{14}^{\text{D}}$$ , $$c_{44}^{\text{D}}$$ , and $$c_{66}^{\text{D}}$$ cannot be directly determined by UPE but they can be calculated from directly measured ci (i = 1, 2, 3, 4). Experimental results also showed that c4 cannot be precisely determined by UPE. Based on error analysis, the uncertainty of c4 will strongly influence the precision of measured $$c_{44}^{\text{D}}$$ and $$c_{66}^{\text{D}}$$ but only weakly influence the accuracy of $$c_{14}^{\text{D}}$$ .

Influence of permanent magnet stirring on dendrite morphological and elastic properties of a novel Sn–Ag–Cu–Sb–Al solder alloy by ultrasonic pulse echo method

Preventing columnar β-Sn grains forming during manufacture have undoubtedly become major challenges. Columnar grains are commonly considered as unfavorable as their existence can relocate defects of solidification and deterioration in mechanical properties; however, the practical application of permanent magnetic stirring (PMS) during manufacture assuredly makes columnar grains easy to avert. In this published work, we studied the influence of PMS application on the solidification microstructures (growth morphology), elastic properties using pulse echo overlap (PEO) method, electrical resistivity and tensile properties of SAC(0505)–Sb–Al solder alloy. The direct result shows that the equiaxed β-Sn grains produced with applying PMS instead of higher aspect ratio columnar β-Sn grains was expected due to the induced Lorentz force. Hence, both the elastic modulus and hardness are typically decreased as the ratio of Poisson increased with applying PMS. In addition, the Pugh ratio has elucidated the ductility behavioral of the alloy sample. The tensile testing results exhibited possible enhancement in ductility by PMS, which could tremendously increase the elastic compliance of bulk solders. The electrical resistivity displays increase in the ionic contribution with PMS. These remarkable results offer innovative methods for predicting the final microstructure to properly control dendritic growth in metallic alloys.

Ultrasonic and thermal testing to non-destructively identify internal defects in plantation eucalypts

Effective non-destructive methods for identifying poor quality and knotty timber in standing trees can contribute to higher quality timber reaching the appropriate processing mills and to a reduction in transport costs of harvested timber. Eucalyptus nitens is a major temperate plantation hardwood species primarily used in paper production. More recently it has also been considered as a potentially suitable source to produce high quality sawlogs. One important aspect of the economic viability of this sawlog business is being able to differentiate between pruned (higher quality) and unpruned (lower quality) plantation eucalyptus. Low quality stems contain higher percentages of features such as knots and/or branch traces that lessen the quality and value of logs that can be produced. Unfortunately, it is not possible to visually discriminate between pruned and unpruned standing trees and while wood processors do use large x-ray image machines during processing, finding ways to reduce transportation costs by enhancing timber quality remains a major challenge. This research presents results from ultrasonic and thermal testing to non-destructively detect internal defects in 17 year old E. nitens grown in Tasmania, Australia. For the investigation, 12 samples (billets) from different parts of the trunk of an E. nitens tree were selected and conditioned to levels of forest moisture content of 120% (70% water content). The samples were scanned by two ultrasonic techniques through-transmission and pulse-echo. In the through-transmission method, the waves were propagated at 10 cm intervals in the longitudinal direction and at 45 degree angle spacing in the circumferential direction. In the pulse-eco method, the surface of the billets were scanned in 10cms intervals around the billets. Unpruned billets were also evaluated for moisture content using a thermal camera to examine the effect on ultrasonic wave propagation. The ultrasound revealed significant differences between recorded ultrasonic waveforms propagated through unpruned billets and pruned ones. Unpruned billets produce a much larger effect on ultrasonic waves when compared with the waves propagated by the pruned billets tested. The thermal camera highlighted that wet knotty wood tends to have higher moisture content than clear wood except when the timber is air dried which produces a slightly lower moisture content being detected in knotty timber over clear wood. Results provide evidence that in-field non-destructive techniques for standing trees internal structural assessment are viable and could be operationalised within Tasmanian E. nitens plantations.

3Pb2-3 Designing Tapered Buffer Rod with Small End for Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Measurements

3Pb2-3 Designing Tapered Buffer Rod with Small End for Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Measurements

Influence of hydration and dopant ionic radius on the elastic properties of BaZrO3

The influence of point defects (acceptor dopants, oxygen vacancies, protonic defects) on the macroscopic elastic properties of acceptor-doped BaZrO3 ceramics is investigated. Ultrasonic pulsed echo time of flight measurements are used to study the impact of dopant size, concentration and degree of hydration. Ceramics of BaXxZr1-xO3-x/2+δH2δ with X = Y, Sc and 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.2 were prepared by solid state reactive sintering with NiO sintering aid, added to achieve mechanical robustness sufficient for high-degree (58–71%) hydration without disintegration. Introduction of the dopants causes linear decrease in the Young's and shear moduli. By comparing the rate of decrease upon doping with Y3+ and Sc3+, the contribution of the lattice expansion was separated from the contribution of vacancy formation. Dissociative water incorporation also decreases the elastic moduli, however, for the case of Sc-doping the effect of hydration on the elastic moduli is much larger. All experimental data agree well with predictions by ab initio calculations.

Comparison of infrared thermography, ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic pulse echo for detecting delaminations in concrete bridges

Buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures need to be regularly maintained if they are to last. In general, if a defect is detected early, the cost of its remediation is typically much lower than if the structure is allowed to degrade for months or years. A key means of locating hidden defects are non-destructive testing methods. This paper describes measurements that compare three non-destructive methods applied to a concrete bridge and a laboratory specimen with artificial defects to simulate cavities. Three methods (infrared thermography, ground-penetrating radar and ultrasonic pulse echo) were used to measure the depth and size of cavities in the concrete panel. Furthermore, the measurements were made using two different brands of radar and two different thermal imaging cameras from the same manufacturer. Lastly, the NDT methods were compared across general performance criteria in terms of accuracy, testing practicality, and costs.

Young’s Modulus Determination of Polyester and Epoxy by Means of Ultrasonic Pulse Echo Testing

The Young’s modulus or elasticity modulus is material ability to resist elastic deformation when loaded. Thermosetting polymers have a wide range of modulus elasticity values. To determine the elasticity modulus value, materials need to be destructive tested, such as tensile test or bending test. But in industrial field, they avoided destructive test. Theoretically, the modulus of elasticity can also be determined by ultrasonic testing pulse echo method. This method has already applied successfully for metals material. The goal of this research was to evaluate probe used in longitudinal velocity measurement of polyester and epoxy and to determine Young’s Modulus of polyester and epoxy by means ultrasonic pulse echo testing. This method was performed using three longitudinal probes that have different diameters, frequencies, and additional delay line. The specimens were varied with different thicknesses. The ultrasonic pulse echo method uses probe 3 with a diameter of 12.7mm, a frequency of 1.5MHz, and additional delay line is most suitable to measure the longitudinal velocity of polyester and epoxy with thickness of 2.82-36.72 mm. Probe 3 has a smaller diameter and additional delay lines thus eliminating the effect of dead zones. The elastic modulus error of thermoset polymer material through ultrasonic testing of pulse echo method compared to the mechanical modulus of elasticity is still very large, i.e. 102% for epoxy, and 159% for polyester. A large error is caused by attenuation and the use of the elasticity modulus equation from ultrasonic testing that still requires modification.

Elastic Modulus Determination of Thermoplastic Polymers with Pulse-Echo Method Ultrasonic Testing

The determination of the elastic modulus of the structural thermoplastic polymers is especially required during in-service monitoring of the components. This elasticity modulus determination can simplify the inspection process and predict the lifetime of the polymer being used. The elastic modulus of the polymer can be determined by pulse-echo method testing ultrasonic which is easier to use than transmission method. This research aims to determine elastic modulus of thermoplastic polymers i.e. polymethylmethaacrylate (acrylic), polyamide (nylon) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) calculated from measurement of velocity and attenuation of ultrasonic pulse-echo. The research begins by looking at the effect of the use of three different probes to ultrasonic velocity readings. Then elastic modulus of material polymers from ultrasonic velocity was calculated using standard equation. The elastic modulus was compared with the elastic modulus from mechanical testing. A linear model elastic modulus from ultrasonic reading which consists of velocity and apparent attenuation was developed. The results were elastic modulus value obtained from ultrasonic velocity and standard equation had a profound error 98% to 158%, especially for polymer with an eminently low density and high ratio of viscous property to elastic property. The attenuation from ultrasonic reading was influenced by the viscoelastic properties and the elastic modulus from ultrasonic velocity reading was influenced by the density. A linear model for thermoplastic elastic modulus determination based on ultrasonic pulse echo testing has been developed and could reduced the error to 3.45%.

A sound approach: Exploring a rapid and non-destructive ultrasonic pulse echo system for vegetable oils characterization.

A rapid and non-destructive ultrasonic pulse echo system was developed for vegetable oils characterization. To understand the differences in the ultrasonic properties of the oils, physical traits, such as their viscosity and density, were related to the ultrasonic data. In turn, these physical traits were correlated with the fatty acid compositions of the oils. Eighty oil samples, including 30 extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), 15 refined olive oil, 15 pomace olive oil, 10 rapeseed oil, 5 sunflower oil and 5 peanut oil samples, were analysed for their sound properties, viscosities, densities and fatty acid compositions. It was observed that the ultrasonic velocity of EVOO decreased linearly with increase in temperature, the temperature coefficient of ultrasonic velocity in EVOO was -2.92 m·s-1·°C-1. The ultrasonic velocity of EVOO (1453 ± 2 m/s) differed significantly from those of pomace olive oil and the oils of other botanical origin, but not from the velocity of refined olive oil. Ultrasonic velocity was positively correlated with the density and negatively correlated with the viscosity of the oils. The higher density and lower viscosity of the oils were in turn related to a higher unsaturation degree of the oils. Hence, oils with a higher proportion of unsaturated fat present higher densities and lower viscosities, which resulted in higher ultrasonic velocity values. Ultrasonic measurements allow rapid, non-destructive analysis, and this first application for characterization of these oils is promising.

A new method for liquid film thickness measurement based on ultrasonic echo resonance technique in gas-liquid flow

Liquid film thickness is an important parameter for gas-liquid two phase flow, and the measurement methods are significant for studying heat and mass transfer characteristics. Among many liquid film thickness measurement methods, the ultrasonic method is more suitable for actual working conditions and has a good application prospect. But the common ultrasonic pulse echo method can’t measure thin thickness and thin film resonance method is affected by multiple echoes and noise. To overcome above defects, a new method called ultrasonic echo resonance main frequency (UERMF) method is proposed and a measuring system is designed to measure liquid film thickness. In static experiment, the relative error of particle image method and UERMF method is within ±2.7%. In flowing experiment, good agreement is found between conductance probe method and UERMF method, and the error is less than ±10%. The results show the UERMF method can accurately measure micrometer-size liquid film thickness.

DETERIORATION OF CONCRETE SULFUR STORAGE TANK UNDER ACIDIC VAPOR ATTACK

Sulfur storage tanks are integral parts of refineries and gas plants. During the gas sweetening process, liquid sulfur is separated in the sulfur recovery units and is stored in underground reinforced concrete tanks in liquid phase by steam-generated temperatures of 315 °F. Roof of the sulfur pit is about 300 – 400 mm thick reinforced concrete structure with two layers of reinforcement. Inside the sulfur pit, the ceiling and walls are subjected to high temperatures and highly corrosive acidic vapors above liquid sulfur line which leads to severe deterioration of concrete and corrosion of reinforcement in the roof slab. This paper presents the NDT based investigations of the roof slab of the tank using the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in a typical sulfur pit with 30 years in service. GPR survey is compared with ultrasonic pulse echo and half-cell potential measurements on the slab. Compressive strength and petrographic examination of selected concrete cores and SEM/EDS and XRD tests on powder samples, from inside the pit are presented.

Evaluación ultrasónica de las fases formadas de un acero inoxidable dúplex 2205 tratado térmicamente a 750 °C y su comportamiento frente a la corrosión

El presente estudio evalúa el comportamiento de las variables ultrasónicas en probetas de acero inoxidable dúplex 2205 (UNS31803/ EN1.4462), tratadas térmicamente a 750 °C durante distintos tiempos, con el objetivo de promover la precipitación de fases secundarias, chi (χ) y sigma (σ). Se estudió la evolución microestructural mediante microscopía óptica y electrónica de barrido, y utilizando la técnica ultrasónica pulso eco de contacto. Finalmente, se realizaron ensayos electroquímicos con el objetivo de evaluar la resistencia a la corrosión. Los resultados revelaron que a medida que aumenta el tiempo de tratamiento térmico se produce un incremento de las cantidades relativas de fases χ y σ a lo largo de las interfases ferrita/ferrita y ferrita/austenita, especialmente hacia el interior del grano ferrítico. La velocidad de onda longitudinal y el coeficiente de atenuación presentaron una tendencia que coincide con los cambios microestructurales generados por efecto del tratamiento térmico. La evaluación electroquímica reveló una alta resistencia a la corrosión uniforme. No obstante, se observó una correlación entre el aumento del tiempo de tratamiento térmico con la pérdida de la resistencia a la corrosión localizada.

Applications of Non-destructive Tests for Diagnosis of Heritage Buildings: Case Studies from Singapore and Malaysia

Non-destructive tests have been increasingly used in historic buildings not only for pre-restoration investigation but also as useful tools to evaluate the effectiveness of eventual interventions. These tests can complement and supplement destructive tests like laboratory analysis of extracted samples as long as a sound sampling plan has been put in place to commensurate with the pattern and extent of dilapidation and materials distribution. Common methods employed in projects in Singapore and Malaysia include the infrared thermography, ground penetrating radar, microwave moisture tomography and ultrasonic pulse echo tomography. The paper discusses about a selection of case studies, demonstrating the application of various techniques for the identification of hidden details, defects and deterioration, and moisture detection.

Thin film thickness measurements in two phase annular flows using ultrasonic pulse echo techniques

The electric power generation and oil/gas production industries have a strong interest in the physical characterization of conducting and non-conducting liquid films that are formed during the flow of liquids in pipes. Conducting and non-conducting liquid films do not lend themselves to the same characterization techniques due to the different requirements originating from their electrical properties. Techniques based on the use of ultrasound are extremely attractive for that purpose as they do not depend on the electrical properties of the liquid and are also non-invasive. This paper presents the application of ultrasonic techniques for measuring the thickness of wavy thin liquid films (<6 mm) in vertical pipes. Initial benchtop experiments were performed, and different signal processing methods were implemented in order to identify the most suitable depending on the film thickness. For a film thickness >0.5 mm a time of flight method was utilized whereas for a film thicknesses <0.5 mm a frequency method and time domain method were utilized. These methods were validated using a theoretical volume measurement on a static system. The studied methods were then tested on downward and upward vertical flow experimental rigs with pipe diameters of 127 mm and 34.5 mm respectively. The results of the experiments using ultrasonic methods showed good agreement with the measurements obtained using a multi pin film sensor and a concentric conductance probe, highlighting the potential that ultrasound offers in thin film measurements.