Patent ID: 6202489
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An ultrasonic testing method for a part of complex geometry which has a volume and a longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps of:rotating the part being tested;transmitting ultrasonic waves with a single multi-element ultrasonic transducer into zones at different depths of the part while the part is rotating;focusing the ultrasonic waves with said ultrasonic transducer operating in two different focusing modes, namely a time reversal mode and an electronic focusing mode, wherein the focusing method for each particular zone is selected as a function of the depth of the particular zone;selecting said time reversal focusing mode to test central zones at a core of the part around the longitudinal axis;selecting said electronic focusing mode to test intermediate zones situated between the central zones and peripheral zones of the part; and,using the time reversal and electronic focusing modes in a time-interlaced, alternating manner to optimally cover the entire volume of the part being tested.