Ultrasonics is a non-destructive evaluation technique for research and application. It allows the localization of flaws, the determination of geometry and elastic properties
- Imaging is done by mechanical scanning single element ultrasonic probes, or, in case of the phased array technique with an electronic steering of ultrasonic waves – enhancing the speed of inspection
- With air-coupling no liquid is required giving access to new fields of application (e.g. wood, water sensitive polymers, aerogels, food, paper)
- The numerical simulation of the ultrasonic wave propagation and interaction with devices containing flaws is essential for understanding the experimental results and improving the experimental setup
Methods
- Localization of flaws
- in base materials
- in joined materials (adhesive sealing, soldering, diffusion bonding, welding)
- Determination of geometry
- Determination of elastic properties
- Simulation of wave propagation
Equipment
- Ultrasonic imaging: liquid immersion technique and air-coupled ultrasound
- Ultrasonic contact technique
- Ultrasonic software: data acquisition and evaluation; simulation of wave propagation
Projects
- Non-destructive quality assessment of polymer tube joints
- Ultrasonic diagnostics of glued timber components
- Ultrasonic read-out for wireless implantable strain-sensor
- Ultrasonic phased array technology applied to the online quality control of manufacture of aluminium stabilized superconductors for the large-scale detectors ATLAS and CMS at Cern
