Flaw-to-grain echo enhancement by split-spectrum processing

A split-spectrum processing technique for an ultrasonic flaw detection system has been developed which improves the flaw-to-grain echo ratio in large-grained materials. The enhancement is achieved by partitioning a wide-band received spectrum to obtain frequency shifted bands, which are then processed to suppress the grain echoes with respect to the flaw echo, using a novel signal minimization algorithm. Experimental data for titanium and stainless steel samples are presented which show superior flaw detection capabilities for the minimization algorithm with respect to frequency averaging techniques.