Patent · US Active

Phased array ultrasonic testing system and methods of examination and modeling employing the same

US7428842B2 · kind B2 · utility

21Cited by
16References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 20, 2005
Grant dateSep 30, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 14, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N2291/2693
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A phased array ultrasonic testing system is for examining turbine disc bores and blade attachments for discontinuities, such as stress corrosion cracking. The system is particularly suited to perform an accurate and efficient inspection of components despite their having a relatively complex geometry, such as axial entry blade attachments and bores of associated discs. The system includes a control system with a computer and a controller for programming, emitting, and steering an ultrasonic beam via at least one two-dimensional phased array probe, thereby precisely inspecting the area of interest while simultaneously accommodating the aforementioned complex geometry of the disc or blade attachment. Computer control of the beam permits the number of inspection locations and the number of different probe wedges to be reduced providing for an efficient, timely inspection. Methods of profiling and examining turbine components of known and unknown geometries, are also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.