[en] The following topics are discussed: ultrasonic physics; ultrasonic technology; ultrasonic testing; transfer functions of transducers; acoustical holography; automation of ultrasonic testing; applications of ultrasonic waves to physical metallurgy; focused ultrasonic beams; ultrasonic display methods

[en] Characterization of ultrasonic beams by means of echos coming back from targets is very often used. Results are not independent of shape and size of those targets. Measuring echos from inclined disk-like targets let appear fluctuating results in the very front part of beams

No abstract available

[en] A sufficient amplification reserve can be reached even for free us-waves for many testing problems. Hereby there is a chance to introduce the advantages of the absence of coupling-media into practice. The results in pipe-waves are assured to a for extent in the laboratory stadium for the detection of cross-cut faults and free waves for perpendicular and angular incoupling of transversal waves. (DG)

[en] The combination of the automatic testing system ALOK with a controlled probe in the form of a phased array device is a possibility to meet the high requirements on the test method with regard to the statements of the test as well as the requirements on the reduction of operation and preparation times. The system's applications are not limited to the testing of reactors in nuclear technology (basic tests and recurring tests of the RPV and other primary circuit components); they are also of great importance in the non-nuclear sector e.g. the testing of pipelines, of reactors in the chemical field and of offshore structures as well as tests of components in the field of production. The modularity of the system permits an adaptation to the particular testing task with the possibility of using different manipulation and hardware systems. (orig./DG)

[en] A method has been described for the noncontact ultrasonic imaging of subsurface defects, using a concentric pulsed laser-annular Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) system. The linear scane data of this system were processed to reconstruct images using the two-dimensional Synthetic Aperture Focussing Technique (SAFT). The result show that this system can accurately be used for imaging by slightly modifying the basic SAFT algorithm. (author). 18 refs, 10 figs

[en] The search units applied in immersion technique are placed in a plane that is vertical with respect to the pipe axis. Two search units each with their crystals are combined to a rigid assembly in such a way that the emitted sound beams will meet a point on the pipe surface at the same angle with respect to a vertical line (angle bisector). The search unit system can be moved along this angle bisector. Adjustment of the search unit system to different diameters of the pipes and rods is easily achieved. There is provided for a pulse-beat control for operational monitoring. (DG)

[en] Check valves are located in almost all safety and non-safety related fluid systems in a nuclear power plant. Malfunction or failure of these valves during plant operations, or in some cases under cold shutdown conditions, can seriously affect plant safety and result in costly, time-consuming maintenance. A major cause of check valve failure in the past has been excessive wear of internal components due to high disc flutter. Valve operation under conditions that cause the valve disc and hinge arm to oscillate or flutter can lead to degradations which, if undetected and not corrected, may result in malfunction or failure. Checkmate II, a portable, non-intrusive diagnostic system, has been developed to test various types of check valves using patented ultrasonic testing technology. The system comprises a computer, ultrasonic oscilloscope, transducers, and supporting hardware, and can identify many different phenomena, including: disc position and disc flutter; backstop and seat tapping; relative motion between hinge arm and disc; hinge pin wear and uneven hinge pin wear; disc stud wear and loosened stud nuts; combined stud and hinge pin wear, stuck and missing discs; broken springs. (author)

[en] In addition to the conventional ultrasonic testing, ultrasonic line holography is a significant tool for improved interpretation of measured data. The creep wave scanning head is particularly suited for detecting sub-seam cracks, crack initiation under platings, and terrace-shaped fracture. The ultrasonic holography method also proved to be good for evaluating spot welds of austenitic sheets. (DG)

No abstract available