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Application of Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Acoustics and Vibrations".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 10319

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Coimbra, 3030-290 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: ultrasonic non-destructive characterization of materials; ultrasonic guided waves; composite inspection; biologic tissue characterization by ultrasounds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is intended for the presentation of new ideas and experimental results related to applications of ultrasound non-destructive testing (UNDT). Ultrasound is an important technique in NDT, being largely used in industry. Metal and composite materials used in critical applications, such as aerospace structures, require appropriate NDT to guarantee safety. Thus, contributions on the latest R&D achievements on ‘Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing’, methodologies of testing, and evaluation, as well as on the development of new equipment, analyses, and approaches to non-destructive measurements are welcome.

Authors are encouraged to submit contributions in any of the following or related areas for UNDT:

  • Ultrasonic non-destructive testing/ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation;
  • Ultrasonic-based structural health monitoring and damage detection;
  • Material characterization;
  • NDT of composites;
  • Ultrasound phased arrays;
  • Guided waves;
  • Process monitoring;
  • Ultrasound sensors, transducers, and sensor networks;
  • Instruments, devices, and systems for ultrasound research and applications;
  • Ultrasound in civil, aerospace, and geological materials.

Dr. Mário João S. F. Santos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • ultrasound in civil, aerospace, and geological materials
  • ultrasonic NDT
  • ultrasonic NDE
  • ultrasonic-based SHM
  • material characterization
  • ultrasound phased arrays
  • guided waves
  • ultrasound transducers

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 5527 KiB  
Article
Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Testing of Accelerated Carbonation Cured-Eco-Bricks
by Joy Ayankop Oke and Hossam Abuel-Naga
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8954; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198954 - 4 Oct 2024
Viewed by 612
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the behavior of accelerated carbonation-cured laboratory specimens using the ultrasonic non-destructive testing (UNDT) method and compare the results with the destructive testing (DT) method. The materials used in the study included a blend of lime kiln dust and [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the behavior of accelerated carbonation-cured laboratory specimens using the ultrasonic non-destructive testing (UNDT) method and compare the results with the destructive testing (DT) method. The materials used in the study included a blend of lime kiln dust and ground granulated blast furnace slag (LKD-GBFS) wastes, natural fine aggregate (sand), and alternative fine aggregates from waste tires. The chemical analysis of the LKD and GBFS samples highlighted them as suitable alternatives to OPC, hence their utilization in the study. A 60:40 (LKD-GBFS) blending ratio and a 1:2 mix design (one part LKD-GBFS blend and two part sand) was considered. The natural fine aggregate was partially replaced with fine waste tire rubber crumbs (TRCs) in stepped increments of 0, 5, and 10% by the volume of the sand. The samples produced were cured using three curing regimens: humid curing (HC), accelerated carbonation curing (ACC) with no water curing (NWC) afterwards, and water curing after carbonation (WC). From the results, an exponential model was developed, which showed a direct correlation between the UNDT and DT results. The developed model is a useful tool that can predict the CS of carbonated samples when cast samples are unavailable. Lastly, a total CO2 uptake of 15,912 g (15.9 kg) was recorded, which underscores ACC as a promising curing technique that can be utilized in the construction industry. This technique will bring about savings in terms of the time required to produce masonry units while promoting a change in the basic assumptions of a safer and cleaner environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing)
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19 pages, 5069 KiB  
Article
Delamination Localization in Multilayered CFRP Panel Based on Reconstruction of Guided Wave Modes
by Mastan Raja Papanaboina, Elena Jasiuniene, Vykintas Samaitis, Liudas Mažeika and Paulius Griškevičius
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9687; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179687 - 27 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1174
Abstract
Multi-layered composite materials are being used in various engineering fields, such as aerospace, automobile, and wind energy, because of their superior material properties. Due to various impact loads during the service life of composite structures, different types of defects can occur, such as [...] Read more.
Multi-layered composite materials are being used in various engineering fields, such as aerospace, automobile, and wind energy, because of their superior material properties. Due to various impact loads during the service life of composite structures, different types of defects can occur, such as matrix cracking, fiber breakage, delaminations, etc. In this research, a novel SHM technique for delamination detection and localization using a minimum number of sensors is proposed. The analytical, numerical, and experimental analysis of GW was performed to increase the probability of detection and localization of delaminations in CFRP material. A new analytical model was developed, which enables identifying converted and transmitted modes in the presence of multiple GW modes. A 2D FFT-based spatial filtering was used to filter the GW modes. The dominant A0 mode was separated to inspect the delamination. Phase velocity is one of the important features in GW inspection to localize the delamination. A phase spectrum approach was developed to reconstruct the phase velocity dispersion of the GW modes in case material properties are unknown. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing)
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14 pages, 1095 KiB  
Article
Characterizing the As-Fabricated State of Additively Fabricated IN718 Using Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation
by Zebadiah Miles, Beytullah Aydogan, Guillermo Huanes-Alvan, Himanshu Sahasrabudhe and Sunil Kishore Chakrapani
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(14), 8137; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13148137 - 13 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1346
Abstract
This article reports on the characterization of the “as-fabricated” state of Inconel 718 samples fabricated using laser directed energy deposition (DED). Laser-DED is known to produce complex metastable microstructures that can significantly influence the baseline ultrasonic response compared to conventional processing methods. The [...] Read more.
This article reports on the characterization of the “as-fabricated” state of Inconel 718 samples fabricated using laser directed energy deposition (DED). Laser-DED is known to produce complex metastable microstructures that can significantly influence the baseline ultrasonic response compared to conventional processing methods. The present work uses three parameters to characterize the samples: (a) ultrasonic velocity, (b) an attenuation coefficient, and (c) a backscatter coefficient. The baseline ultrasonic response from the DED sample was compared against the ultrasonic properties of conventional IN718 samples reported in the literature. The results suggest that strong grain boundary scattering from large macrograins can lead to attenuation and backscatter values that are significantly higher than conventional samples. Additionally, the results including velocities, attenuation and backscatter coefficients were found to be dependent on the fabrication direction, with the build direction being different from the transverse directions. Finally, destructive analysis was used to develop conjectures to explain the experimentally observed ultrasonic response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing)
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15 pages, 41221 KiB  
Article
Adhesive Single-Lap Joint Evaluation Using Ultrasound Guided Waves
by Mário Santos and Jaime Santos
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6523; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116523 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1307
Abstract
This work deals with the evaluation of adhesive single-lap joints using ultrasound guided waves; in particular, it is intended to characterize the signal propagation when defects are present in the adhesive joint by simulation and experimental approaches. The propagation of guided waves in [...] Read more.
This work deals with the evaluation of adhesive single-lap joints using ultrasound guided waves; in particular, it is intended to characterize the signal propagation when defects are present in the adhesive joint by simulation and experimental approaches. The propagation of guided waves in the joint is developed from matrix formulations. The behavior of the guided wave modes that exist in the bonded region is characterized. It is found that its amplitudes can be estimated from the properties of the incoming wave that propagates in the non-bonded region. It is verified that the excitation of these modes is related to the degree to which the shapes of both modes match each other. A 3D simulation of two aluminum-bonded plates using 500 kHz ultrasonic transducers in a pitch-and-catch configuration was implemented using the Matlab k-Wave toolbox. Scattering effects, due to some defects located in the bond line of the joints, were simulated. The experimental setup with some artificial defects produced in the aluminum joints was used in order to compare it with the simulation. Qualitative agreement was observed between the two approaches. The observed deviation can be due to the different characteristics of the experimental and simulated defects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing)
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19 pages, 5345 KiB  
Article
Measurement of Air Layer Thickness under Multi-Angle Incidence Conditions Based on Ultrasonic Resonance Reflection Theory for Flange Fasteners
by Fei Shang, Bo Sun and Honghui Zhang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 6057; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13106057 - 15 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1500
Abstract
During the servicing of flange fasteners, the sealing gasket and the flange cover interface are prone to separation and air contamination due to factors such as stress, corrosion, and vibration. In the detection process, there are two main issues: firstly, the conventional ultrasonic [...] Read more.
During the servicing of flange fasteners, the sealing gasket and the flange cover interface are prone to separation and air contamination due to factors such as stress, corrosion, and vibration. In the detection process, there are two main issues: firstly, the conventional ultrasonic measurement methods based on the theory of acoustic elasticity are not applicable due to the small thickness of the air layer; secondly, the use of conventional vertical incidence detection methods is difficult to ensure due to the influence of the actual structure. To address these issues, this paper first establishes a mathematical model of ultrasonic resonance reflection, and then calculates the corresponding relationship between the air layer thickness and the resonance frequency under vertical incidence conditions. However, this model is difficult to use to calculate the resonance frequency under different incidence angles. To meet the requirements of different working conditions, a finite element simulation model is further established. By comparing the calculation results of the two models under vertical incidence, the reliability of the established finite element model is verified. The reflection and transmission pressure acoustic field distribution under different incidence angles and air layer thicknesses is simulated, and the function relationship between the incidence angle, air layer thickness, and the corresponding first-order resonance frequency is derived. This enables the measurement of the air layer thickness at any incidence angle, providing technical and theoretical support for practical industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing)
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10 pages, 808 KiB  
Communication
Numerical Study of Mode Conversion between Fundamental Lamb and Rayleigh Waves
by Alex Vu, Leonard J. Bond and Sunil K. Chakrapani
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5613; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095613 - 1 May 2023
Viewed by 1758
Abstract
This article reports the findings of a numerical study of mode conversion between fundamental Lamb and Rayleigh waves and vice versa in quarter and half spaces. Fundamental Lamb wave (A0 and S0) propagation in a plate attached to a [...] Read more.
This article reports the findings of a numerical study of mode conversion between fundamental Lamb and Rayleigh waves and vice versa in quarter and half spaces. Fundamental Lamb wave (A0 and S0) propagation in a plate attached to a quarter space and the subsequent mode conversion to a Rayleigh wave was studied using finite element analysis. B-Scans show that a beat-like phenomenon can be observed for the R → L conversion and a generation length can be observed for the L → R conversion. The quarter-space model was also used to study the Rayleigh to Lamb mode conversion. Two hypotheses were developed based on the observed mode conversion efficiencies: (a) the main driving factor of mode conversion between Lamb and Rayleigh waves is the grazing incidence of bulk modes and (b) due to scattering and diffraction, the modes will require a generation length to stabilize in amplitude. Both hypotheses were tested and confirmed using numerical models, including a half-space model to study the diffraction of bulk waves from an incident Lamb wave. The results are of significance for nondestructive evaluation of complex structures where such structural discontinuities exist and it becomes important to understand the fundamental mode conversion phenomenon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing)
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14 pages, 6033 KiB  
Article
An Interface Pressure Detection Method of Cable Silicone Rubber-XLPE Based on Nonlinear Ultrasound
by Chunhua Fang, Jianben Liu, Aoqi Sun, Junxiong Wu, Rong Xia, Benhong Ouyang, Yilin Zhang and Fang Li
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5404; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095404 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1436
Abstract
The interface pressure between the cable attachment and the body is crucial for the stable long-term operation of the cable. To solve the issue of interface insulation characteristics’ damage caused by the pressure transducer measurement method, a non-destructive testing method of silicone rubber [...] Read more.
The interface pressure between the cable attachment and the body is crucial for the stable long-term operation of the cable. To solve the issue of interface insulation characteristics’ damage caused by the pressure transducer measurement method, a non-destructive testing method of silicone rubber interface pressure using nonlinear ultrasound is presented. Initially, the study analyzes the propagation characteristics of ultrasonic waves at the interface of cross-linked polyethylene and silicone rubber. The study also establishes the relationship between the nonlinear coefficient and the interface pressure. Subsequently, a nonlinear ultrasonic test platform is constructed using the pulse reflection method to measure the interface pressure of flat silicone rubber and cross-linked polyethylene through nonlinear ultrasonic testing. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that the fundamental amplitude of the frequency domain of the interface reflection wave decreases, and the second harmonic amplitude and nonlinear coefficient both increase as pressure increases. These results demonstrate that the nonlinear ultrasound, non-destructive testing method can accurately evaluate the interfacial pressure state of the cable accessories. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Ultrasonic Non-destructive Testing)
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