Ultrasonic Phased Array Solutions

How can I determine what type of probe will work best for my application?

Modeling and simulation are extremely valuable tools for determining probe requirements and specifications. Using the CIVA simulation software, we can help you design the optimal probe for your application. For example, we use CIVA to visualize and optimize the acoustic beam, as well as to quantify defect resolution and sizing.

What probe frequencies are available?

State-of-the-art phased-array probes are available with frequencies in the range of 1-20MHz. Our phased-array systems can drive probes up to 25 MHz. Low-frequency systems that will be able to drive probes with frequencies less than 100 KHz are currently under development and will be available in 2007.

I already have a phased-array probe. Will it work with your system?

Yes, any probe with a standard Hypertronics connector will work with our systems.

What types of materials can be inspected?

In general, any material that propagates sound can be inspected using phased-array technology. M2M customers typically work with steel, aluminum, titanium and various alloys, as well as composite materials, including carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics. Material properties that affect ultrasonic wave propagation also have to be considered, including attenuation, anisotropy, and heterogeneity. For non-trivial cases, simulation can be used to determine the suitability of ultrasonics for the application. Bercli offers modeling and simulation services. For phased-array modeling we use CIVA simulation software.

Image shows inspection of an advanced composite at Dassault Aviation, using an M2M system to drive the linear array probe. Used by permission.

Modeling and Driving 2D Arrays

Both CIVA and M2M systems handle 2D phased array probes (typically matrix or sectorial arrays). Using such probes, it is possible to focus the acoustic beam at any location in the specimen under investigation. The illustrated example (Fig. 1) shows the behavior of a 64 elements sectorial array @ 5MHz (manufactured by Imasonic) in an aluminum sample. Red bars represent the delay laws calculated using CIVA applied to the probe to obtain the associated focal spots (red dots at the beginning of the animation file).

Image shows a radiated acoustic beam using a sectorial probe. 64 elements are used to compute the delay laws and the acoustic field. The beam can be focused at any location in the specimen.