Method and apparatus for inspecting a workpiece with angularly offset ultrasonic signals
First Claim
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1. A method of inspecting a workpiece comprising:
- introducing ultrasonic signals into the workpiece along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece;
receiving back scattered signals from the workpiece responsive to the ultrasonic signals;
determining a measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval by integrating the energy of the backscattered signals received over the predefined time interval, wherein the predefined time interval is based upon and at least as long as the time required for ultrasonic signals to propagate through at least that portion of the workpiece that is to be inspected; and
detecting an anomalous response from the workpiece based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided to identify unacceptable levels of porosity, microcracking or defects attributable to thermal damage. Ultrasonic signals are introduced into the workpiece, such as by means of an ultrasonic transmitter. The ultrasonic signals propagate along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece. Backscattered signals are received, such as by an ultrasonic receiver, from the workpiece. A measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval is then determined, such as integration performed by a processing element. An anomalous response may then be detected based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals. This anomalous response may be representative of at least a predefined amount of porosity, microcracking or thermal damage.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of inspecting a workpiece comprising:
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introducing ultrasonic signals into the workpiece along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece; receiving back scattered signals from the workpiece responsive to the ultrasonic signals; determining a measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval by integrating the energy of the backscattered signals received over the predefined time interval, wherein the predefined time interval is based upon and at least as long as the time required for ultrasonic signals to propagate through at least that portion of the workpiece that is to be inspected; and detecting an anomalous response from the workpiece based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An inspection apparatus comprising:
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an ultrasonic transmitter configured to introduce ultrasonic signals into the workpiece along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece; an ultrasonic receiver configured to receive back scattered signals from the workpiece responsive to the ultrasonic signals; and a processing element configured to determine a measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval and to detect an anomalous response from the workpiece based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals, wherein determining a measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals comprises integrating the energy of the backscattered signals received over the predefined time interval, and wherein the predefined time interval is based upon and at least as long as the time required for ultrasonic signals to propagate through at least that portion of the workpiece that is to be inspected. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A control apparatus comprising:
a processing element configured to direct an ultrasonic transmitter to introduce ultrasonic signals into the workpiece along a predefined axis of propagation oriented at an offset angle relative to a predefined reference direction oriented normal to the workpiece, said processing element also configured to direct an ultrasonic receiver to receive back scattered signals from the workpiece responsive to the ultrasonic signals, said processing element further configured to determine a measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals received over a predefined time interval and to detect an anomalous response from the workpiece based upon the measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals, wherein the processor is configured to determine a measure representative of the cumulative energy of the backscattered signals by integrating the energy of the backscattered signals received over the predefined time interval, and wherein the predefined time interval is based upon and at least as long as the time required for ultrasonic signals to propagate through at least that portion of the workpiece that is to be inspected. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
Specification
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Current AssigneeThe Boeing Co.
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Original AssigneeThe Boeing Co.
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InventorsCarlsen, Robert L., Georgeson, Gary E., Bossi, Richard H.
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Primary Examiner(s)CHAPMAN JR, JOHN E
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Application NumberUS11/687,950Publication NumberTime in Patent Office1,219 DaysField of Search736/09, 736/14, 736/20, 736/27, 736/28, 736/29US Class Current73/609CPC Class CodesG01N 2291/0234 Metals, e.g. steelG01N 2291/056 Angular incidence, angular ...G01N 2291/101 one transducerG01N 29/043 in the interior, e.g. by sh...G01N 29/11 by measuring attenuation of...G01N 29/221 Arrangements for directing ...G01N 29/26 Arrangements for orientatio...G01N 29/44 Processing the detected res...
