03 - C208B - ND (Rev 3) - Part 4 - ULTRASONIC
03 - C208B - ND (Rev 3) - Part 4 - ULTRASONIC
03 - C208B - ND (Rev 3) - Part 4 - ULTRASONIC
ULTRASONIC INSPECTION
1. General
A. Ultrasonic inspection uses high frequency sound waves as a probing medium to get information about the condition of
materials. This method is good for the inspection of most materials for surface and subsurface defects. At least one
surface of the part must be accessible in the vicinity of the area to be examined.
B. The inspection of airframe structure is done when the ultrasound is put into the part by a contacting probe (transducer) and
the reflections of this sound are picked up from within the part. The detected ultrasonic reflections are electronically shown
on an oscilloscope and interpreted for possible defect indications. Accessory devices must give sufficient probe coupling
to curved surfaces, or to change the angle of the sound beam in the material or part under inspection.
C. In most of the ultrasonic inspection techniques prepared for this manual, information has been given for the fabrication of
an ultrasonic Reference Standard. The selection and use of reference standards is very important for successful ultrasonic
inspection of airplane components.
D. Before most inspections, the type and general location of defects that may occur are known. Therefore, when Reference
Standards with calibrated reflectors that are similar to the defects are used, an established inspection procedure can
prove their validity. If the inspection procedure can clearly sense the artificial defect, then theoretically it should also sense
natural defects.
2. Test Equipment
A. In the development of the Ultrasonic Inspection Techniques contained in this manual, this ultrasonic unit was used (unless
otherwise in a list in the specific inspection technique). When substitute equipment is used, it may be necessary to make
adjustments to the techniques.
Equipment Manufacturer
Type M90 Reflectroscope with Standard Pulser/Receiver Automation/Sperry
Shelter Rock Road
Danbury, CT 06810