Ultra sound transducer Wheel for 0.5 to 10 MHz

We intent to make a very effective NDT instrument for area scanning of composite and metal materials. This instrument will be user friendly and efficient. The rolling principle with individual transducer wheels in combination with dry coupling of acoustic signals into and back from the inspected part will have many advantages compared to the state of the art seen on the market today. Detecting faults as cracks, delamination and rust mapping in aerospace, marine and oil & gas represent a huge market. For inspecting exceptionally large parts and production volumes, computer-controlled robotic systems can be integrated with our rolling NDT devices. Rapid data processing is now possible with advancements in hardware and software, which allows the operator to detect damage in real time. An easy to use instrument that will require less operator knowledge for carrying out the inspection will be the final result of this Multrawheel project. In the future, vision analyses and tools that offer improved and automated defect detection capability can be developed which partly might replace manual testing techniques. The prototype of an ultrasonic roller scanning system to be developed consists of different components such as polarized piezoelectric film, backing, different matching layers, coupling material and roller cylinder. They are assembled as a layered structure. The acoustic impedance matching between these different layers is very important factor for the performance of complete assembly to acquire the good signal from the boundaries and defects. We have to develop, choose and explore suitable impedance matched material to avoid the false signals during the inspection. There is the need for research, modelling, and simulation to get better understanding of material properties of these layers. The work package also focuses on mechanical damping absorber assembly of the transducer setup for inspection inside the pipe lines, curved surfaces and uneven and bumpy surfaces.