Patent ID: 8336383
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for testing axle shafts using at least one ultrasonic probe, comprising: a) placing on a test bench a tubular axle shaft comprising a wall exhibiting variable known external and internal radius profiles; b) placing at least one ultrasonic probe on an external or internal surface of the wall in a first site selected as a function of its profiles and a possible loading of the shaft, then analyzing with each probe a first selected portion of the wall in a first selected angular sector oriented in a first longitudinal or transverse direction, so as to acquire analysis data for various relative angular positions of the shaft in relation to the probe; c) relocating at least one probe in at least one second site selected as a function of the profiles of the wall and the possible loading of the shaft, then analyzing with each probe a second selected portion of the wall in a second selected angular sector oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction, so as to acquire other analysis data for various relative angular positions of the shaft in relation to the probe; and d) creating from the acquired analysis data maps representing transverse or longitudinal orientations and positions of indications of echoes within the wall.