DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW FREQUENCY ULTRASONIC INSPECTION SYSTEM FOR THE M-149 WATER TANK,

Abstract

The purpose of the program was to determine the feasibility of low frequency ultrasonic techniques for detecting voids and debonds in the M-149 water tank. The major objectives of the program were to: (1) determine the capability of existing equipment, (2) investigate all low frequency techniques, (through-transmission, pulse-echo, and pitch-catch) to determine the best method, and (4) demonstrate it on a test tank. An evaluation of commercially available equipment showed that it was necessary to design and build a high power low frequency ultrasonic generator to investigate one sided methods, namely pulse-echo and pitch-catch. Extensive testing with pulse-echo and pitch-catch showed both methods to be unfeasible for this application. One technique for eliminating the inside operator was considered theoretically, but couldn't be tried experimentally because of a shortage of funds. This technique would make use of an omnidirectional transducer on the inside of a water filled M-149 tank. Investigation of this technique is recommended as a future course of action when the necessary funds are available or action warrants. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1967
Accession Number
AD0686345

Entities

People

  • E. J. Kubiak

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Actuators
  • Electrical Equipment
  • Frequency
  • Generators
  • Inspection
  • Mechanical Equipment
  • Omnidirectional
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Transducers
  • Ultrasonic Inspection
  • Water Tanks

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.