What type of defects can ultrasonic flaw detectors identify?

Ultrasonic flaw detectors are capable of identifying both surface and internal flaws in materials. This capability is due to the principle of ultrasonic testing, which employs high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted into the material being inspected. As the sound waves propagate through the material, they reflect off any discontinuities or defects present.

When these sound waves encounter a flaw, such as a crack or a void, a portion of the sound is reflected back to the transducer, indicating the presence of a defect. Internal flaws, such as porosity, inclusions, or weld defects, can be detected as the ultrasonic waves travel through the material. Similarly, surface imperfections can also be identified as they affect the transmission of sound waves, providing feedback that can be interpreted by an expert technician.

This versatility makes ultrasonic testing a valuable method in various industries, such as aerospace and automotive, where the integrity of materials and components is critical.