Multiple Inspection: A Novel Ultrasonic Phased Array Technique for Simultaneous Surface and Internal Defect Evaluation
Abstract
Reducing inspection time while improving defect detection reliability has become a major challenge in modern industrial applications. Recent advances in ultrasonic technologies have enabled more efficient and accurate Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) of critical components. Among these technologies, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) systems offer exceptional flexibility in beam steering and wavefront control, significantly enhancing inspection capabilities. In this study, a Finite Element (FE) simulation is presented to investigate a novel ultrasonic inspection approach termed Multiple Inspection. The proposed technique combines the beam-steering capability of phased array ultrasonics with efficient Rayleigh wave generation to simultaneously inspect both the near-surface region and the internal volume of a component within a single examination. By integrating the advantages of bulk-wave and surface-wave inspections, the method provides comprehensive information regarding different defect types while reducing overall inspection time. Simulation results demonstrate the capability of the proposed approach to detect internal cracks and surface defects concurrently with high reliability. The findings suggest that multiple inspections can improve inspection efficiency and provide a promising alternative to conventional ultrasonic testing procedures for industrial NDE.
Keywords:
Nondestructive evaluation, Phased array ultrasonic testing, Finite element simulation, Rayleigh waves, Surface defects, Internal cracksReferences
- [1] Ernst, R., Weder, M., & Dual, J. (2012). Multiple defect detection by applying the time reversal principle on dispersive waves in beams. 18th world conference on nondestructive testing (pp. 540-548). South African Institute for Non-Destructive Testing (SAINT), Durban, South Africa. https://www.proceedings.com/content/017/017743webtoc.pdf
- [2] Zhang, J., Drinkwater, B. W., Wilcox, P. D., & Hunter, A. J. (2010). Defect detection using ultrasonic arrays: The multi-mode total focusing method. NDT & e international, 43(2), 123–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ndteint.2009.10.001
- [3] Ludwig, R., & Lord, W. (1986). Developments in the finite element modeling of ultrasonic NDT phenomena. In Review of progress in quantitative nondestructive evaluation (pp. 73-81). Plenum Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-1893-4
- [4] Connolly, G. D. (2009). Modelling of the propagation of ultrasound through austenitic steel welds [Thesis].
- [5] Abdollahi-Mamoudan, F., Ibarra-Castanedo, C., & Maldague, X. P. V. (2025). Non-destructive testing and evaluation of hybrid and advanced structures: A comprehensive review of methods, applications, and emerging trends. Sensors, 25(12), 1–42. https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123635
- [6] Baskaran, G., Rao, C. L., & Balasubramaniam, K. (2007). Simulation of the ToFD technique using the finite element method. Insight-non-destructive testing and condition monitoring, 49(11), 641–646. https://doi.org/10.1784/insi.2007.49.11.641
- [7] Honarvar, F., & Khorasani, S. (2010). Simulation of time of flight diffraction (ToFD) technique by finite element method. Online Workshop, NDT.net – The e-Journal of Nondestructive Testing. https://www.ndt.net/article/SimNDT2010/papers/16_Honarvar_Rev1.pdf
- [8] Date, K., Shimada, H., & Ikenaga, N. (1982). Crack height measurement — An evaluation of the accuracy of ultrasonic timing methods. NDT international, 15(6), 315–319. https://doi.org/10.1016/0308-9126(82)90068-2
- [9] Hévin, G., Abraham, O., Pedersen, H. A., & Campillo, M. (1998). Characterization of surface cracks with Rayleigh waves: A numerical model. NDT & e international, 31(4), 289–297. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0963-8695(98)80013-3
- [10] Scala, C. M., & Bowles, S. J. (2000). Laser ultrasonics for surface-crack depth measurement using transmitted near-field rayleigh waves. AIP conference proceedings (pp. 327–334). AIP Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1306068
Issue 1