Location of multiple proximate flaws using perpendicular NDT ultrasonic arrays

An improved method for ultrasonic location of multiple flaws using perpendicular ultrasonic arrays, working in near-field conditions, is presented. The method uses the pulse-echo technique and is based on the processing of the information acquired by both the elemental emitting transducers and their adjacent ones. This type of processing improves the performance of a previous method that sometimes presents limitations for the detection of multiples flaws. This new method is applied to a set of ultrasonic traces, obtained with an ultrasonic prototype specifically designed for testing this method, showing the improvement obtained in imaging results.     

厚度模压电超声换能器无源声学材料研究进展*

厚度模压电超声换能器作为超声波发射、接收以及电信号间转换的载体,是超声成像与检测系统的核心器件,一般由压电层、匹配层和背衬层3部分组成。超声换能器的性能一定程度上决定着整体超声设备的性能,影响了其在工业、医学、军事等领域的应用。该换能器的关键性能指标(带宽、灵敏度)除了受到压电层的影响,还与匹配层、背衬层等无源声学材料的设计密切相关。该文综述了近年来厚度模压电超声换能器无源声学材料(匹配层、背衬层和声透镜)的研究进展,提出了当前该类材料面临的难题和解决途径,并对其未来发展方向进行了展望。     

应用于无线传感器的声表面波反射型延迟线的耦合模分析

基于耦合模理论对一种应用于无线传感器的声表面波(SAW)反射型延迟线的性能进行了优化模拟分析。结合混合等效电路模型推导出评价这种器件性能的时域反射系数S₁₁。典型的SAW反射型延迟线包含置于压电基片之上的一个换能器与沿声波传播方向设置的多个反射器。讨论了器件性能的各种结构性影响因素如换能器结构以及反射器类型等,并以此获得优化的器件设计参数。在理论优化分析的基础上,以41°YX LiNbO₃为压电基片,结合铝电极试验制作了采用单向单相换能器(SPUDT)与3个短路栅反射器的440 MHz SAW反射型延迟线器件,并与理论分析结果予以对比与评价分析。      

Time and direction of arrival detection and filtering for imaging in strongly scattering random media

We study detection and imaging of small reflectors in heavy clutter, using an array of transducers that emits and receives sound waves. Heavy clutter means that multiple scattering of the waves in the heterogeneous host medium is strong and overwhelms the arrivals from the small reflectors. Building on the adaptive time-frequency filter of [Borcea et al, SIIMS 2011;4(3)], we propose a robust method for detecting the direction of arrival of the direct echoes from the small reflectors, and suppressing the unwanted clutter backscatter. This improves the resolution of imaging. We illustrate the performance of the method with realistic numerical simulations in a non-destructive testing setup.     

Fast topological imaging

Mathematical optimization methods based on the topological sensitivity analysis have been used to develop innovative ultrasonic imaging methods. With a single illumination of the medium, they have proved experimentally to yield a lateral resolution comparable to classical multiple-illumination techniques. As these methods are based on the numerical simulations of two wave fields, they require extensive computation. A time-domain finite-difference scheme is usually used for that purpose. This paper presents the development of an experimental imaging method based on the topological sensitivity. The numerical cost is reduced by replacing the numerical simulations by simple mathematical operations between the radiation patterns of the array’s transducers and the frequency-domain signals to be emitted. These radiation patterns are preliminary computed once and for all. They were obtained with a finite element model for the anisotropic elastodynamic case and with semi-analytical integrations for the acoustic case. Experimental results are presented for a composite material sample and for a prefractal network immersed in water. A lateral resolution below 2.5 times the wavelength is obtained with a single plane wave illumination. The method is also applied with multiple illuminations, so that objects hidden in complex media can be investigated.     

Measurement of ultrasonic power and electro-acoustic efficiency of high power transducers

In this paper, an improved method for the measurement of acoustic power and electro-acoustic efficiency of high power ultrasonic transducers is presented. The measuring principle is described, the experimental results are given. In comparison with traditional methods, the method presented in this paper has the advantages of simplicity, economy and practicality. The most important is that it can measure the output acoustic power and the electro-acoustic efficiency of the transducer under the condition of high power and practical applications, such as ultrasonic cleaning and soldering.     

四通道球面弯晶成像系统设计及实验研究

基于动态X射线荧光成像技术对高集光效率、单色化成像诊断设备的需求,提出了一种四通道球面弯晶成像系统设计。采用“圆锥体”空间排布方式,解决了多个通道耦合问题。通过调整弯晶姿态,实现了像点的合理分布。针对4.51 keV能点,采用Ge(400)球面弯晶作为成像元件,给出了四通道弯晶成像系统的光学初始结构参数。在实验中利用Ti靶X射线光管,对单个通道进行了网格背光成像,获得的二维图像放大倍数为7.8倍,空间分辨率达到15 μm,初步验证了系统的成像性能。四通道弯晶成像系统与分幅相机结合,能有效解决动态X射线荧光成像技术信号弱、图像信噪比低的技术难点。     

Ultrasonic flowmeters: half-century progress report, 1955-2005

Ultrasonic flowmeters are one of the fastest-growing technologies within the general field of instruments for process monitoring, measurement and control. Today, acoustic/ultrasonic flowmeters utilize clamp-on and wetted transducers, single and multiple paths, paths on and off the diameter, passive and active principles, contrapropagating transmission, reflection (Doppler), tag correlation, vortex shedding, liquid level sensing of open channel flow or flow in partially-full conduits, and other interactions. Ultrasonic flowmeters are applicable to liquids, gases, and multiphase mixtures, but not without limits. However, no single technology, nor one type of interaction within a technology, can be best for all fluids, occasions and situations. Users who select a particular type of ultrasonic flowmeter over one based on a competing (nonultrasonic) technology often do so for one (or more) of the following reasons: ultrasonic equipment provides a useful measurement whether the fluid is single-phase or not single-phase; equipment is easy to use; flow regime can be laminar, transitional or turbulent; transducers are totally external (no penetration of the pressure boundary); transducers, if not clamp-on, are minimally invasive; no excess pressure drop; when certain conditions are met, accuracy can be better than 0.5%; fast (ms) response; reliable despite temperature extremes; reasonable purchase price, installation, operating and maintenance costs. Sometimes mass flowrate is obtainable. Energy flowrate might be achieved for natural gas and biogas in the near future. How did ultrasonic flowmeters advance in the past fifty years to support such claims? This paper tries to answer this question by looking at ultrasonic flowmeter inventions and publications since 1955, to see how four key problems were solved.     

弯折波导杆的超声斜入射方法*

波导杆技术是一种有效的超声辅助检测方法,在提升高温关键承压设备安全运行方面具有重要作用。现有的波导换能器因直入式发射声波,常被用来在线监测壁厚的腐蚀进程,难以对指定方向的缺陷进行有效检测。为了解决这个难题,基于斯涅耳定理以及导波的频散特性提出了一种弯折结构的波导杆来实现超声斜入射。首先分析了弯折波导杆中水平剪切波的传播特性,探究了波导杆的厚度、弯折角度对杆中声波传播的影响规律;然后,进一步研究了弯折波导杆在半无限空间内的声束指向性;最后通过一对弯折波导杆在线检测结构内部缺陷的试验证明了波导超声斜入射的应用价值。研究结果为基于斜入射技术的波导超声在线监测提供了坚实的理论基础。     

Magnetic resonance imaging of acoustic streaming: absorption coefficient and acoustic field shape estimation

In this study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to visualize acoustic streaming in liquids. A single-shot spin echo sequence (HASTE) with a saturation band perpendicular to the acoustic beam permits the acquisition of an instantaneous image of the flow due to the application of ultrasound. An average acoustic streaming velocity can be estimated from the MR images, from which the ultrasonic absorption coefficient and the bulk viscosity of different glycerol-water mixtures can be deduced. In the same way, this MRI method could be used to assess the acoustic field and time-average power of ultrasonic transducers in water (or other liquids with known physical properties), after calibration of a geometrical parameter that is dependent on the experimental setup.     

Measurement of ultrasonic power of cylindrical horns

Monitoring high power ultrasonic equipment and the determination of the efficiency of transducers depends upon the methods used to measure ultrasonic power. This paper discusses several such methods used on longitudinally vibrating horns, and describes in detail a new electronic method of measuring acoustic power.     

基于声学扫描振镜的超声/光声双模态成像技术

超声/光声双模态成像技术因其同时兼具超声的高分辨率结构成像和光声的高对比度功能成像优势,极大地推动了光声成像技术的临床应用推广.传统超声/光声双模态成像技术多基于超声成像所用阵列探头同时收集光声信号,系统结构紧凑且无需图像配准,操作便捷.但该类设备使用阵列探头和多通道数据采集,使得其成本较高;且成像结果易受通道一致性差异影响.本文提出了一种基于声学扫描振镜的超声/光声双模态成像技术,该技术采用单个超声换能器结合一维声学扫描振镜进行快速声束扫描,实现超声/光声双模态成像,是一种小型化、低成本的双模态快速成像技术.本文开展了系列仿体和活体成像研究,实验结果表明:系统有效成像范围为15.6 mm,超声和光声成像B扫描速度分别为1.0 s^–1和0.1 s^–1 (光声成像速度主要受制于脉冲激光器重复频率).基于本文所提技术研究,有助于进一步推动超声/光声双模态成像技术的临床转化和普及;也为基于超声信号检测的多模态成像技术提供了一种低成本、小型化和快速声信号检测的参考方案.     

Characterization of ultrasonic imaging systems using transfer functions

The transfer functions for focussed and defocussed, coherent and confocal optical imaging systems have been applied to the equivalent ultrasonic imaging systems. The transfer functions with varying degrees of defocus were calculated to show the defocus effects for ultrasonic imaging systems. Assuming that the acoustic waves are reflected perfectly on the surface of the step edge, the theoretical line-scans for small amplitude signals across a step edge, with various degrees of defocus, were generated. The first derivative of the line-scan for a step edge is shown theoretically to yield the same impulse response as that calculated using the inverse Fourier transform applied to the original transfer function. These results show how the real and imaginary parts of the transfer functions contribute to ultrasonic image formation. A method for the experimental determination of the impulse response, and the transfer functions for the characterization of an ultrasonic imaging system, such as an acoustic microscope, is provided.     

Measurement of elastic nonlinearity using remote laser ultrasonics and CHeap Optical Transducers and dual frequency surface acoustic waves

A nonlinear ultrasonic technique for evaluating material elastic nonlinearity has been developed. It measures the phase modulation of a high frequency (82MHz) surface acoustic wave interacting with a low frequency (1MHz) high amplitude stress inducing surface acoustic wave. A new breed of optical transducers has been developed and used for the generation and detection of the high frequency wave. The CHeap Optical Transducer (CHOT) is an ultrasonic transducer system, optically activated and read by a laser. We show that CHOTs offer advantages over alternative transducers. CHOTs and nonlinear ultrasonics have great potential for aerospace applications. Results measuring changes in ultrasonic velocity corresponding to different stress states of the sample are presented on fused silica and aluminium.     

基于反射型延迟线结构的无线无源声表面波测温系统

从传感器核心元件及无线测温雷达的优化设计出发,研制了一种集成电子标签的高性能声表面波(SAW)无线无源测温系统。基于耦合模(COM)理论对作为传感元件的反射型SAW延迟线进行了优化设计,基于仿真结果,实验研制了采用YZ LiNbO_3石英基片的434 MHz反射型SAW延迟线,该器件是由一个换能器与8个反射器构成的反射型延迟线,其中3个反射器用于温度检测,另外5个反射器则用于采用相位编码的电子标签。测试结果显示所研制的反射型SAW延迟线具有良好的时域特性与较高的信噪比,并与理论仿真结果极为吻合。设计并研制了采用步进调频(FSCW)模式的测温雷达,利用高精度高低温箱对所研制的无线无源SAW测温系统进行了无线测试,系统表现出良好的线性特性,测温准确度达到了士1℃以内。      

Matching a transducer to water at cavitation: acoustic horn design principles

High-power ultrasound for several decades has been an integral part of many industrial processes conducted in aqueous solutions. Maximizing the transfer efficiency of the acoustic energy between electromechanical transducers and water at cavitation is crucial when designing industrial ultrasonic reactors with large active volumes. This can be achieved by matching the acoustic impedances of transducers to water at cavitation using appropriately designed ultrasonic horns. In the present work, a set of criteria characterizing the matching capabilities of ultrasonic horns is developed. It is shown that none of the commonly used tapered-shape horns can achieve the necessary conditions. An analytical method for designing five-element acoustic horns with the desirable matching properties is introduced, and five novel types of such horns, most suitable for practical applications, are proposed. An evaluation of the horns' performance is presented in a set of experiments, demonstrating the validity of the developed theoretical methodology. Power transfer efficiency increase by almost an order of magnitude is shown to be possible with the presented horn designs, as compared to those traditionally utilized.     

Fabrication and comparison of PMN-PT single crystal, PZT and PZT-based 1-3 composite ultrasonic transducers for NDE applications

This paper describes fabrication and comparison of PMN-PT single crystal, PZT, and PZT-based 1-3 composite ultrasonic transducers for NDE applications. As a front matching layer between test material (Austenite stainless steel, SUS316) and piezoelectric materials, alumina ceramics was selected. The appropriate acoustic impedance of the backing materials for each transducer was determined based on the results of KLM model simulation. Prototype ultrasonic transducers with the center frequencies of approximately 2.25 and 5 MHz for contact measurement were fabricated and compared to each other. The PMN-PT single crystal ultrasonic transducer shows considerably improved performance in sensitivity over the PZT and PZT-based 1-3 composite ultrasonic transducers.     

Reduction of the error of hydrophone calibration with respect to the field in a hydroacoustic tank by the reciprocity method

A hydrophone calibration procedure that considerably reduces the error caused by the acoustic field distortions in a hydroacoustic tank is proposed. The procedure is based on the definition of the reduced electric transfer impedances of transducers (i.e., the electric transfer impedances reduced to the spherical wave propagation law) and consists in measuring the electric transfer impedances for different distances between hydroacoustic transducers. The sensitivity of the hydrophone under calibration is calculated from the far-field values of the reduced electric transfer impedances. The latter are determined using a mathematical model of the hydrophone in the form of a system that contains a point sensing element and a finite number of point sources of acoustic signals (point reflectors). A method of determining the number and coordinates of the point reflectors from the analysis of the acoustic “images” of the hydrophone’s reflecting surface is proposed. The measuring technique, the algorithms of mathematical processing, and the results of experimental studies are considered. A comparative analysis of the results of the hydrophone calibration with respect to the field by the reciprocity method is performed for the cases of using the conventional technique and the proposed method.     

Precise micro-particle and bubble manipulation by tunable ultrasonic bottle beams

This paper reports a method to generate tunable bottle beams using an ultrasonic lens, by which the bottle position can be precisely adjusted with the change of the acoustic frequency. Therefore, the position of a single particle or bubble in liquid can be manipulated without using phased array which is costly and huge with complex circuits. Furthermore, we introduced this method to multiple bubble manipulation using acoustic holography. The bottle properties against frequency are theoretically and experimentally analyzed. It is shown that the bottle position depends almost linearly on the operating frequency, which provides a basis for the precise manipulation of bubbles and particles. In addition, the relationship between the acoustic radiation force and the drag force under different incident acoustic pressures is considered, establishing a limit on the moving velocity of the trapped particles. The ultrasonic field observation is further demonstrated by Schlieren imaging system. The proposed method has potential biomedical applications, such as more flexible cell manipulation and targeted drug delivery in vivo, as well as potential applications in the study of chemical reactions between micro objects.     

利用扩散场信息的超声兰姆波全聚焦成像

利用兰姆波的扩散场信号,实现了距离传感器较近缺陷的全聚焦成像.通过两传感器接收的扩散场全矩阵信号进行互相关,恢复出两传感器之间的格林函数响应,重建新的全矩阵.该重建全矩阵削弱了直接耦合采集响应信号中存在的早期饱和非线性效应信号,恢复了被遮盖的近距离缺陷散射信号.在含缺陷的各向同性铝板中激发兰姆波,重建信号的早期信息与直接俘获信号的后期信息相结合形成混合全矩阵,结合全聚焦成像,优化成像效果.所提方法为薄板类结构中距离传感器较近缺陷的兰姆波无损检测提供了理论指导.