Long range ultrasonic guided wave nondestructive evaluation can be used to inspect pipelines over fairly long distances. Partial loading of transducers around the circumference leads to a non-axisymmetric energy distribution. At particular axial distances and frequencies, the ultrasonic energy is naturally focused at some spots around the circumference via constructive wave interference. This so called “natural focusing” phenomenon can be used to improve guided wave sensitivity for a defect since more energy is sent to the defect. However, defects located in other places could possibly be missed, unless we can move the natural focusing points throughout the pipe. We have done this by frequency and circumferential angle tuning for specific circumferential loading lengths. In order to utilize the natural focusing phenomenon to enhance detection sensitivity, a frequency and angle tuning (FAT) technique is employed to extend the area that is scanned by focal energy. It is observed that the natural focal points at a fixed axial distance move with frequency variation and circumferential excitation length change. In this paper, the natural focusing phenomenon with FAT is theoretically calculated and experimentally investigated. The results show that the natural focusing inspection technique can sufficiently inspect an entire pipe with FAT. Some sample inspection data is compared by applying axisymmetric excitations, FAT, and phased array focusing.
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ASME 2006 Pressure Vessels and Piping/ICPVT-11 Conference
July 23–27, 2006
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Conference Sponsors:
- Pressure Vessels and Piping Division
ISBN:
0-7918-4756-X
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Long Range Guided Wave Natural Focusing Pipe Inspection Available to Purchase
Joseph L. Rose,
Joseph L. Rose
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Jing Mu,
Jing Mu
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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Steven E. Owens
Steven E. Owens
FBS, Inc., State College, PA
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Li Zhang
FBS, Inc., State College, PA
Joseph L. Rose
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Jing Mu
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
Steven E. Owens
FBS, Inc., State College, PA
Paper No:
PVP2006-ICPVT-11-93838, pp. 263-268; 6 pages
Published Online:
July 23, 2008
Citation
Zhang, L, Rose, JL, Mu, J, & Owens, SE. "Long Range Guided Wave Natural Focusing Pipe Inspection." Proceedings of the ASME 2006 Pressure Vessels and Piping/ICPVT-11 Conference. Volume 5: High Pressure Technology, Nondestructive Evaluation, Pipeline Systems, Student Paper Competition. Vancouver, BC, Canada. July 23–27, 2006. pp. 263-268. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/PVP2006-ICPVT-11-93838
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