Ultrasonics, 3rd Edition

9    Use of Ultrasonics in the Inspection and Characterization of Nonmetals

9.1      INTRODUCTION

Ultrasonics is used extensively for inspecting many nonmetallic products. The principles of ultrasonic inspection of metals and nonmetals are in general similar and often similar or even, in some cases, the same equipment is used for both. However, nonmetallic products include a wide range of materials that have a diverse range of properties, and their inspection often requires special consideration. In particular, the frequencies and transducers employed and the methodology for coupling ultrasound into the material can be challenging and may require methods that are different from those commonly used with metals. For example, water or a gel ...