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Eingeladener Vortrag
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Proposals for Performance Demonstration and Modular Reliability Assessment for Humanitarian Demining
(2003)
For safe and reliable demining it is necessary to determine the actual true performance of mine searching equipment in detecting mines. The subject to detect a hidden subject by penetrating physical interaction with the target is similar to that of non-destructive testing where it is looked for hidden cracks etc. in material via waves and rays. The non destructive testing profession is now about 100 years old and developed some procedures to check reliability of testing. Those principles like the performance demonstration where the successful detections are statistically evaluated against false calls rates and their implementation in an industrial standard (ASME section XI appendix VIII) are analysed. A first adoption to demining was accomplished in the prescription for blind trials in the CEN workshop agreement CEN BT 126
CWA07 for test and evaluation of metal detectors. A number of blind trials were accomplished within an ITEP project to learn about the necessary statistical layout of those trials to achieve true, reproducible and repeatable results to give guidance to selection and improvement of metal detectors. The special focus in these investigations was on the influence of the human factor due to the degree of experience of the operators and the infulence of uncooperative soil. The correlation of the results of the physical parameter measurement and the statistical results is analysed in a first attempt.
Because the demining process is always connected with a danger for human beings, it is necessary to make sure the proper functioning of mine searching equipment in detecting mines. Detecting a hidden target by penetrating physical interaction of rays or waves is similar to non-destructive testing. The non-destructive testing profession developed procedures to check the reliability of testing. These procedures, like the performance demonstration where the successful detections are statistically evaluated against false call rates and their implementation in an industrial standard (ASME section XI appendix VIII) are used as a template. A first adoption to demining was accomplished in the prescription for blind trials in the CEN workshop agreement CWA 14747: 2003 for test and evaluation of metal detectors. Within an ITEP project a number of blind trials were carried out to learn about the necessary statistical basis of those trials to achieve true, reproducible and repeatable results to give guidance for the selection and improvement of metal detectors. The special focus in this first investigation was on the influence of the human factor due to the different degree of experience of the operators and the influence of the soil.
The detection of defects in aircraft components or parts of a power plant or mines in the ground is connected with the task to distinguish between signals caused be the item searched for and noisy signals from other sources. The reliability of the system is the better the better the system is in detecting the wanted signal and avoiding false alarms caused by noise. It is usual to measure the reliability of diagnostic systems in terms of ROC-curves (Re-ceiver Operating Characteristics) and POD-curves (Probability of Detec-tion). The ROC curves describe the POD versus Probability of False Alarm with growing system sensitivity along the curve. POD curves describe the Probability of Detection for a fixed sensitivity for a variation of item sizes or depths. Reliability of the whole system is always a composition of the physics
and technique, application influences and the human factors. For the scien-tific understanding and possibilities of improvement, decomposition accord-ing to a modular model is helpful. The authors present their experiences with the reliability evaluation of metal detectors for humanitarian demining and an NDT system of mechanized ultrasonic phased array testing of copper welds. The special concern in demining is the influence of soil types, detec-tors and the experiences of human beings.
ITEP project 2.1.1.2 - Final report - Reliability model for test and evaluation of metal detectors
(2004)
Metal detectors used in demining have been tested within the frame of the International Test and
Evaluation Programme project ITEP 2.1.1.2. Detection reliability tests were performed in accordance
with the CEN workshop agreement describing specifications for test and evaluation (CWA 14747:2003). Results of these tests are aimed to verify and should help to optimise the proposed testing
procedures.
The total reliability of a mine searching system is driven by the triple of intrinsic
capability, which describes the physical-technical basis capability, the application and
environmental factors and the human factors. Some of them can be determined in
laboratory measurements but the human factor and a part of environment conditions
and their interaction with the device need to be treated statistically. That is why the
test & evaluation procedure described in CEN CWA 14747:2003, includes in addition
to parameter tests of metal detectors also the reliability or blind field tests under local
conditions with local personnel. A series of three big field trials had been
accomplished in the ITEP-project 2.1.1.2 Reliability Model for Test & Evaluation of
Metal Detectors to specify the optimum conditions for reliable trial results with
affordable effort. For each set of specific working conditions, characterized in terms
of a combination of one mine type in one soil with one detector handled by local
personnel, the searching system will show up a working performance in mine
detection rates as a function of mine depth and show up a certain overall false call
rate. During the ITEP-trials in Benkovac and Oberjettenberg the authors learnt to
determine this function separately for each mine type in each soil, which is especially
important for low metal mines in uncooperative soil which will be illustrated for the
mine PMA2 in different types of soil. The question of representativeness for field
conditions on the one hand and necessary statistical set up for the possibility to
distinguish between individual detector performances is still under discussion.
Trial design for testing and evaluation of metal detectors used in humanitarian landmine clearance
(2006)
Statistical design of experiments applied to tests of metal detectors used for mine detection
(2006)
Statistical design of experiments applied to tests of metal detectors used for mine detection
(2006)
Trial Design for Testing and Evaluation of Metal Detectors Used in Humanitarian Landmine Clearance
(2006)
This thesis proposes a design of experiment for testing and evaluation of the equipment and the methods used in manual mine clearance. The thesis is based on several metal detector trials and a trial of manual demining methods. The core of this dissertation comprises four metal detector trials performed in Germany and Croatian in 2003 and 2005. The purpose of these trials was to investigate the feasibility of the tests described in the CWA (Comité Européende Normalisation/CEN/Workshop Agreement) 14747:2003, the standard for testing metal detectors for humanitarian demining. The goals of the trials were: to find an appropriate design of experiment for testing metal detectors; to establish the use of ROC diagrams (Receiver Operating Characteristics) and POD curves (Probability of Detection) in the analysis of the experimental results; and to gain practical experience in organising and conducting metal detector trials. Apart of this thesis is devoted to a trial of manual demining methods performed in Mozambique in 2004. The main goal of that trial was to compare the speed of various manual demining methods, including the most common excavation methods. The outcome of this work is the proposals and recommendations for an update of the standard for testing metal detectors CWA 14747:2003. Maximum detection height measurements were performed as a part of the metal detector trial carried out in Croatiain2005. The results reveal a high variability of the maximum detection height. This high variability needs to be taken into account in all experiments. Apart of the variability is caused by the differences between the operators and by the setup of the metal detector. It is therefore recommended that two kinds of experiments with the maximum detection height as a response variable are defined in the next update of CWA 14747:2003. The first kind should include the setup, the soil and the operator as factors in the design of experiment. The in-soil measurements with the same detector should be performed with repeated setups and with several operators. The second kind of experiments should be experiments evaluating the influence of other predictor variables. In those experiments, it is recommended to perform one-factor or multiple-factor in-air measurements with the operators and the setup as a block. The main part of the metal detector trials described in this thesis was the detection reliability tests. Detection reliability tests as described in CWA14747:2003 come closest to representing the real field conditions in demining. They include many environmental influences and, most importantly, many of the human factor influences. However, each test design is a compromise between fully representative conditions and cost effectiveness. In this thesis, a fractional factorial design based on the Graeco-Latin square is proposed as a solution to the experimental problem. The results are reported in the form of ROC diagrams and POD curves. The crossover design enables each operator to work with fewer detector models with in a certain time. The variations of the design enabled an unbiased comparison of detectors in each soil and with each target model separately. It is recommended that the solutions proposed in this thesis be incorporated in the standard CWA14747:2003. It has been shown that maximum detection heights measurements provide the information about the best possible performance of a metal detector in are liability test.
The paper will give an overview of new methodology for evaluating the
reliability of NDE systems accurately, reliably and efficiently in accordance with the
specific requirements of industrial application. After a review of the substantive
issues from the previous workshops, the go forward guidance from these
interactions is considered.
At the beginning of the reliability analysis, the actual safety demands have to
be defined in order to fit the investigation to the level of risk when the component
would fail. Next, all the essential influencing parameters need to be documented and
transferred to an appropriate design of experiments (DOE) to determine the
reliability in terms of a qualitative assessment for lower risk or in terms of a
quantitative probability of detection (POD) or ROC (Receiver Operating
Characteristics) curves for higher safety demands. A new paradigm is offered to
consider the POD or reliability of the system as a function of the configuration of
input variables and use it for optimisation rather than for a final judgement. An
advantage for the end user is also to sample all single PODs to an integral 'Volume
POD' of a part.
Among the influencing parameters, the human factor is the most important one.
A systematic psychological approach shall help to find out where the bottlenecks are
but most importantly to provide best possible working conditions for the human
inspectors.
Es werden die Fortschritte bei der Bewertung der Zuverlässigkeit von ZfP-Systemen in den vergangenen 10 Jahren vorgestellt. Der modulare Ansatz bzw. die systematische Auflistung aller wesentlichen Einflussfaktoren stehen am Anfang jeder Bewertung, die jeweils spezifisch für einen industriellen bzw. Feldeinsatz angelegt wird. Weiterhin legt die zu Grunde liegende Sicherheitsanforderung fest, ob ein exaktes quantitatives statistisches Ergebnis z. B. für die Fehlergröße, die mit hoher Sicherheit detektiert wird angestrebt wird oder ob man sich mit einer qualitativen Abschätzung zufrieden geben kann. Moderne Werkzeuge wie das 'Design of Experiments' (Statistische Versuchsplanung), die Volumen-POD für ein Bauteil als ganzes oder auch die systematische psychologische Betrachtung des menschlichen Faktors unterstützen die Treffsicherheit der Untersuchung für den gewünschten Einsatzfall. Die Ergebnisse der ZfP-Prüfungen können immer nur so gut sein, wie der Mensch mit den Bedingungen zurechtkommt. Weiterhin kann die POD im Zusammenhang mit den Prozessparametern als helfendes Optimierungswerkzeug eingesetzt werden und nicht als endgültige Be(Ver)urteilung. Es werden Beispiele aus Bereichen der Energieerzeugung und Endlagerung präsentiert.
The human factors approach relies on understanding the properties of
human capability and limitations under various conditions and the application of that
knowledge in designing and developing safe systems. Following the principles of
MTO (Man Technology Organization) approach, emphasis should be given to the
way people interact with technical as well as organizational systems.
A model describing human factor influences in relation to the performance shaping
factors and their effect on the manual ultrasonic inspection performance had been
built and a part of it empirically tested. The experimental task involved repeated
inspection of 18 flaws according to the standard procedure under no, middle and
high time pressure. Stress coping strategies, mental workload of the task, stress
reaction and organizational factors have been measured. The results have shown that
time pressure, mental workload and experience influence the quality of the
inspection performance. Organizational factors and their influence on the inspection
results were rated as important by the operators. However, further research is
necessary into the effects of stress.
Mit der Gruppenstrahlertechnik der Bundesanstalt für
Materialforschung und -prüfung sind umfangreiche Untersuchungen an einer
plattierten Druckbehälter-Testwand durchgeführt worden. In der vorliegenden
Testwand mit einer Wanddicke von 149 mm befinden sich künstliche
Testreflektoren im Schweißnaht- und Plattierungsbereich, die mit Gruppenstrahler-
Prüfköpfen mit unterschiedlichen Frequenzen, Einschallwinkeln und
Einschallrichtungen nachgewiesen und in ihrem Anzeigenverhalten analysiert
wurden.
Zur Rekonstruktion der Reflektoranzeigen wurde ein SAFT - Algorithmus
verwendet, der die Variation der Einschallwinkel berücksichtigt. Zum Vergleich
sind die Reflektoren auch mit der TOFD - Technik analysiert worden. Ziel der
Untersuchungen war der direkte Vergleich der Eignung der SAFT- und TOFDTechnik
zur quantitativen Reflektorgrößenbestimmung.
Die übergeordnete Zielsetzung unserer Untersuchung bestand darin,
am Beispiel von Prüfungen mit Ultraschall eine belastbare Aussage zum Einfluss der Arbeitsbedingungen des Prüfers auf die Qualität der Ergebnisse von zerstörungsfreien Prüfungen zu ermitteln und Möglichkeiten zur Minimierung ungünstiger Einflussfaktoren aufzuzeigen.
Der Schwerpunkt der Untersuchung wurde auf die manuelle Ultraschallprüfung gelegt und der Faktor 'Zeitdruck' (in drei Stufen variiert) als die zu variierende physische Einflussgröße gewählt. Die Variation des Faktors Zeitdruck wurde gemäß dem Prozessmodell von der Erhebung psychologischer Faktoren, die das Individuum und die Organisation beschreiben, begleitet.
Die Ultraschallprüfungen erfolgten mit zehn Prüfern am Großbehälter und an Vergleichskörpern mit eingebrachten Testfehlern (Nuten, Risse). Die ausgewählten Fehler waren typisch für Prüfaufgaben, die bei wiederkehrenden Ultraschallprüfungen in Kernkraftwerken von den Prüfern zu lösen sind. Die Prüfaufgabe bestand darin, die in den vorgegebenen Prüfabschnitten vorhandenen Reflektoren aufzufinden und deren Amplituden, Ortskoordinaten und Längenerstreckungen zu ermitteln. Als Bewertungsmaßstab für die Qualität der Prüfaussage und für den Einfluss des menschlichen Faktors diente die Präzision der gemessenen Werte. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einen hohen Einfluss des menschlichen Faktors auf das Prüfergebnis und eine Einwirkung des Zeitdrucks besonders auf die Präzision der Messwerte. Hierbei war die Wirkung des individuell wahrgenommenen Zeitdrucks zusammen mit der psychischen Arbeitsbeanspruchung signifikant. Es wurde unter anderem herausgearbeitet, dass durch eine gute Vorbereitung auf die Prüfung, z.B. durch die sorgfältige Einweisung und ein vorgeschaltetes Fertigkeitstraining an Vergleichskörpern, die Zuverlässigkeit der Prüfergebnisse verbessert werden kann.
Insgesamt hatte der Faktor 'Organisation' neben der 'Erfahrung' einen hohen Einfluss auf das Leistungsvermögen der Prüfer.
Die Projektergebnisse wurden im Abschlussbericht des Forschungsvorhabens SR2514 dargestellt, es wurden drei Empfehlungen zur Vorbereitung und Einweisung der Prüfer, zur Stärkung der Verantwortung der Prüfaufsicht und zum 4-Augen-Prinzip formuliert. Die Empfehlungen wurden in der KTA- Regel 3201.4 'Komponenten des Primärkreises von Leichtwasserreaktoren; Teil 4: Wiederkehrende Prüfungen und Betriebsüberwachung (RÄE Fassung 2010-11)', umgesetzt.
The human factors approach relies on understanding the properties of human capability and limitations under various conditions and the application of that knowledge in designing and developing safe systems. Following the principles of the MTO (Man Technology Organisation) approach, emphasis should be given to the way people interact with technical as well as organisational systems.
A model describing human factor influences in relation to the performance shaping factors and their effect on manual ultrasonic inspection performance had been built and a part of it empirically tested. The experimental task involved repeated inspection of 18 defects according to the standard procedure under no, middle and high time pressure. Stress coping strategies, the mental workload of the task, stress reaction and organisational factors have been measured. The results have shown that time pressure, mental workload and experience influence the quality of the inspection performance. Organisational factors and their influence on the inspection results were rated as important by the operators. However, further research is necessary into the effects of stress.
Charakterisierung der Wandler für Luftultraschallprüfung aus zellulärem Polypropylen-Ferroelektret
(2011)
In den letzten Jahren stieg die Anfrage für zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (ZIP) mit Luftultraschall deutlich. Die klassische ZfP mit Ultraschall nutzt Flüssigkeiten als Koppelmittel zwischen dem Wandler und dem Prüfkörper. Für die Prüfung von Gegenständen mit empfindlicher Oberfläche, die das Koppelmittel beschädigen oder verunreinigen kann, ist deswegen Luftultraschall besser geeignet. Eine mögliche Anwendung ist beispielsweise der Nachweis von Delaminationen in glas- und kohlefaserverstärkten Verbundwerkstoffen sowie Sandwichbauteilen, die in der Luftfahrt- und der Automobilindustrie eingesetzt werden.
The extremely low acoustic impedance of polypropylene ferroelectret combined with its piezoelectric properties makes this material suitable for construction of aircoupled ultrasonic transducers for non-destructive testing. For the fabrication of transducers with a stable quality, the reproducibility of their key parameters is of interest.
The reproducibility was evaluated by means of (i) impedance spectroscopy and (ii) pulse-echo measurements. (i) Impedance spectroscopy was applied to identify the resonance frequency, the coupling factor and the acoustic impedance of several nominally identical transducers. (ii) Pulse-echo measurements yielded the signal form of these transducers.
The variation of the signal amplitude measured with pulseecho technique was about 10 dB. A part of this variation Comes from the deposition of transducer electrodes and another part from local variations of ferroelectret properties. The variation of the signal amplitude was caused by the observed variation of the coupling factor, which was also about 10 dB. The variation of the acoustic impedance was only about 1 dB, thus having no effect on the variation of the signal amplitude.
These results indicate that the variability can be reduced by improving the control of electrode deposition and by optimizing the production technology affecting the reproducibility of material properties.
Charakterisierung der Wandler für Luftultraschallprüfung aus zellulärem Polypropylen-Ferroelektret
(2011)
This paper gives an introduction to the field of human factors with the focus on their influence on the reliability of NDT in the nuclear energy production (in-service inspections) and final storage of highly radioactive nuclear waste. A set of methodological tools has been developed in the scope of three projects, namely: 1) a theoretical model describing potential human factors influencing manual ultrasonic inspection performance during inservice inspections in nuclear power plants; 2) a method for identifying potential human errors during acquisition and evaluation of data gathered with mechanized ultrasonic, radiographic and eddy-current systems, as well as visual testing with a remote camera (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, FMEA); and 3) use of eye tracking methodology to optimize existing procedures and practices. The experimental results have shown that time pressure, mental workload and experience influence the quality of the inspection performance. Noticeable were influences from the organization of the working schedule, communication, procedures, supervision and demonstration task. Implementing human redundancy in critical tasks, such as defect identification, as well as using an automated aid (software) to help operators in decision making about the existence and size of defects, could lead to other kinds of problems, namely social loafing (excerpting less effort when working on tasks collectively as compared to working alone) and automation bias (uncritical reliance on the proper function of an automated system without recognizing its limitations and the possibilities of automation failure) that might affect the reliability of NDT in an undesired manner.
Electromechanical response of polypropylene ferroelectret transducers under application of high-voltage pulses was measured by laser Doppler vibrometry and compared with results of ultrasonic through-air transmission between two ferroelectret transducers. The electromechanical response was completely explained by piezoelectric and electrostrictive effects. The electrostrictive effect dominates at high voltages and provides significant enlargement of the transducer constant, up to factor of 2.5. The induced strain of 1.7% was achieved at – 2000 V. The nonlinear ultrasonic transmission was shown to be well described by the piezoelectric and electrostrictive response of transmitter, except in the range of high negative exciting voltages where some limitation of the transmitted signal was observed. This limitation seems not to be a fundamental one and does not abolish the advantages of high-voltage excitation of polypropylene ferroelectret transducers.
Polypropylene based ferroelectret films exhibit a strong electromechanical activity and provide a promising solution for the air coupled ultrasonic (ACUS) transducers. Ultrasonic transmission between two air coupled ferroelectret transducers in dependence on the amplitude and polarity of the high voltage exciting pulse revealed a strongly non-linear electromechanical response of the ferroelectret transmitter which provides an increase in the transmitter efficiency. The authors present a simple model describing both promotion and competition of the piezoelectric and electrostriction contributions, as well as increase in the transducer constant under high voltage excitation. Enlargement of the inverse transducer constant of the polypropylene ferroelectret film by a factor of 4 was demonstrated. The non-linear properties of the polypropylene ferroelectrets result in a strong increase in their ACUS figure of merit under the high voltage excitation, which exceeds the results of their technological optimisation. Consequently, enhancement of the ACUS system transmission by 12 dB and signal to noise ratio by 32 dB was achieved.
Ferroelectrets are promising materials for air-coupled ultrasonic transducers. A transducer made of polarized cellular polypropylene, including its electronic interface, was developed and compared with conventional air-coupled probes. Test pieces of fiber-reinforced polymer containing impact flaws and flat-bottom holes were inspected in transmission. The ferroelectret transducers achieved a considerably higher signal-to-noise ratio. The impacts were clearly visible with all transducers, but less noisy with ferroelectret transducers. The flat-bottom holes were better detectable than with a conventional probe with about the same focus size.
Für die luftgekoppelte Ultraschall-Prüfung wird der Prototyp eines neuartigen Prüfkopfes vorgestellt. Statt eines piezokeramischen Ultraschall-Wandlers mit einer λ/4-Anpassschicht wird eine Ferroelektret-Folie aus schaumförmigem Polypropylen eingesetzt. Durch die außerordentlich geringe akustische Impedanz der Folie reduzieren sich die Reflexionsverluste an den Grenzschichten zur Luft so stark, dass bei diesem Prüfkopf auf eine λ/4-Anpassschicht verzichtet werden kann. Außerdem ist die Folie hochspannungsfest. Sie konnte mit Spannungen von mehr als 3500 V angesteuert werden und erlaubte eine Vorspannung am Ultraschall-Wandler des Empfangsprüfkopfes von 2000 V. Mithilfe der hohen Anregungsspannung stieg die Amplitude des akustischen Prüfimpulses auf das 11,2-Fache. Die Empfindlichkeit des Empfängers erhöhte sich durch die Vorspannung weiter um den Faktor 4,3. Insgesamt steigt die Amplitude am Empfänger also auf das 48-Fache, bei gleichbleibendem Rauschpegel. Ein abschließender Vergleich mit kommerziellen Luftultraschall-Prüfköpfen belegt die Überlegenheit der Folien-Prüfköpfe. Damit rückt der Einsatz einer vollwertigen Impuls-Echo-Technik auch bei der luftgekoppelten Ultraschallprüfung deutlich näher.
NDT is a multidisciplinary research area fusing the disciplines of natural Science and engineering. Particularly in the early development stages of a new testing method, feasibility investigations focus on the fundamental physical interaction between the sensing mechanism and specimen. Research activities during subsequent phases of modular prototype development, technical System Integration and Validation primarily attempt to solve the practical engineering and real-life aspects of a testing method. We show several examples of new methods in different stages of development and highlight the potential for further industrial use. The first section deals with Steel surfaces of lightweight components which are
inspected with pm-sized magneto resistive sensor arrays. This quantitative magnetic stray field approach combines high spatial resolution and very high sensitivity, enabling the user to detect even very small micro-defects. Tuming to CFRP components we also show new developments in airbome ultrasonic testing. Here we use ferroelectret foils to reduce the acoustical mismatch between transducer and air, which enhances the signal-to-noise ratio. A further example illuminates the use of metallic nano layers as a broadband thermo acoustical emitter. Their use provides both high sound pressures and very broadband Signal characteristics. When it comes to CFRP components and other anisotropic and highly Scattering materials, ultrasonic matrix arrays in conjunction with many angles of incidences per transducer position can help to enhance the statistics of a testing problem. In the field of conventional water-coupled UT testing we also show the use of matrix array transducers
providing a tomographic-like 3D-image of impact damage in CFRP samples.
Air-coupled ferroelectret ultrasonic transducers applied to testing of fiber-reinforced polymers
(2013)
Adhesively bonded aluminum components have been widely used in the aerospace industry for weight-efficient and damage-tolerant structures. Automated squirter jet immersion ultrasonic testing is a common inspection technique to assure the bond integrity of large, contoured assemblies. However, squirter jet inspection presents several limitations in scanning speed, related to water splash noise over protruding stiffeners and splash interference crosstalk in multi-channel inspection systems. Air-coupled ultrasonic testing has been evaluated as an alternative, possibly offering the benefits of increased throughput by enabling higher speeds, and eliminating the contamination concerns and maintenance issues of water couplant systems. Adhesive joints of multi-layer aluminum plates with artificial disbonds were inspected with novel air-coupled ultrasonic probes based on cellular polypropylene. Disbonds of various sizes were engineered in several multi-layer configurations and at various depths. Results were compared with squirter jet immersion and conventional piezoelectric transducer designs in terms of scan contrast, resolution and inspection time.
Ferroelektrete sind zelluläre polarisierte Polymere, die ferroelektrische und dadurch auch piezoelektrische Eigenschaften aufweisen. Unter anderem werden sie für den Bau von Mikrofonen und Ultraschallwandlern für Materialprüfung eingesetzt. Dabei erweist sich ihre besonders niedrige akustische Impedanz als Vorteil. Ursache dafür ist vor allem ihr außergewöhnlich niedriger Elastizitätsmodul in Dickenrichtung. In diesem Beitrag werden zwei Methoden für die Ermittlung des Elastizitätsmoduls des geladenen zellulären Polypropylens (zPP) dargestellt. Die erste ist eine neuartige modellgestützte Methode mittels Laservibrometrie an dem eigenentwickelten Polypropylen-Wandler, wobei die Resonanzschwingung des Wandlers bei 250 kHz gemessen wird.
Die zweite Methode ist dynamisch-mechanische Analyse (DMA) durchgeführt mit Frequenzen von 0,3 bis 50 Hz, erstmalig für das zPP angewendet.
Ultrasonic testing of adhesively bonded joints using air-coupled cellular polypropylene transducers
(2014)
In air-coupled ultrasonic testing, the impedance mismatch between the transducer and the air is commonly being solved by adding matching layers to composite transducers. To avoid the difficult technological procedure regarding matching layers, some new piezoelectric materials have been proposed. Most promising are ferroelectrets, which are charged cellular polymers, having ferroelectric and consequently piezoelectric properties. In particular, the extreme softness of cellular polypropylene (cPP) leads to a high piezoelectric constant and to a good impedance match with the air, making matching layers redundant. Its elasticity modulus below 1 MPa causes an additional effect not observed with common piezoelectric materials: that is the electrostrictive effect, here defined as the thickness change due to the attractive force between the transducer electrodes. This effect exceeds the piezoelectric effect at excitation voltages over 1 kV. The extreme softness of cPP leads also to high flexibility, enabling easy focusing by bending the transducer.
We have developed air-coupled ultrasonic transducers based on cPP. This includes the electrical matching networks for the transmitter and for the receiver. The transmitter is excited with voltages up to 2.5 kV, so that the electrostrictive effect dominates, leading to sound pressure around 145dB at the transducer surface. These transducers have been applied for testing carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer plates, adhesive joints and other composite structures. Here we report about ultrasonic transmission of two types of adhesive joints. The first one is multi-layer aluminium components with some artificial disbonds, which are common in aerospace industry, and the second one is an aluminium-steel joint with polyurethane adhesive, which is used in automotive industry.
Ultrasonic Testing of Adhesively Bonded Joints Using Air-Coupled Cellular Polypropylene Transducer
(2014)
Air-coupled ultrasound has been applied increasingly as a non-destructive testing method for lightweight construction in recent years. It is particularly appropriate for composite materials being used in automotive and aviation industry. Air-coupled ultrasound transducers mostly consist of piezoelectric materials and matching layers. However, their fabrication is challenging and their signal-to-noise ratio often not sufficient for many testing requirements. To enhance the efficiency, air-coupled ultrasound transducers made of cellular polypropylene have been developed. Because of its small density and sound velocity, this piezoelectric ferroelectret matches the small acoustic impedance of air much better than matching layers applied in conventional transducers. In our contribution, we present two different methods of spherical focusing of ferroelectret transducers for the further enhancement of their performance in NDT applications. Measurements on carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) samples and on metal adhesive joints performed with commercially available focused air-coupled ultrasound transducers are compared to measurements executed with self-developed focused ferroelectret transducers.
Die Zahl der industriellen Anwendungen mit Einsatz von Faserverbundwerkstoffen wächst kontinuierlich vor allem wegen der exzellenten Materialeigenschaften und des geringen Gewichtes dieses Werkstoffes. Entsprechend steigen die Anforderungen an zerstörungsfreie Prüfsysteme zur Gewährleistung des sicheren Betriebes von Komponenten und Strukturen bestehend aus Verbundwerkstoffen.
Im Rahmen des EU-Projekes VITCEA (Validated Inspection Techniques for Composites in Energy Applications) wird das Ziel verfolgt, neue Prüfverfahren für moderne Verbundwerkstoffe zu entwickeln und zu validieren. Im Vordergrund steht hierbei als Applikation im Industriesektor Energieversorgung die Prüfung von sicherheitsrelevanten Komponenten von onshore und offshore Windkraftanlagen, wie z.B. deren Rotorblätter und tragende Strukturen.
Eine Teilaufgabe innerhalb des Projektes stellen der Vergleich und die Validierung verschiedener Ultraschallprüfmethoden bezüglich ihrer Fähigkeit zum Nachweis der typischen Herstellungs- und betriebsbedingten Materialschädigungen von CFK und GFK dar.
Neben verschiedenen konventionellen Ultraschall-Prüftechniken, werden die Phased-Array-Prüfung, insbesondere die Prüfung mit Matrixarrays, sowie die Untersuchung mit berührüngsloser Luftultraschalltechnik bezüglich ihrer Nachweisgrenzen und der Möglichkeiten zur Fehlercharakterisierung an Faserverbundwerkstoffen untersucht. Die Ergebnisse werden mit Untersuchungen mit thermographischen Methoden und Mikrowellentechnik verglichen.
Durch den Einsatz von faserverstärkten Kunststoffen und Multi-Material-Konstruktionen zur Gewichtsreduzierung erlangen Klebeverbindungen immer stärkere Bedeutung. Die Prüfung dieser Fügeverbindungen stellt neue Anforderungen an die zerstörungsfreie Prüfung. Hinzu kommt, dass die Zugänglichkeit häufig eingeschränkt und die Verwendung flüssiger Koppelmittel aufgrund konstruktiver oder fertigungstechnischer Gegebenheiten ausgeschlossen ist. Unter Berücksichtigung dieser Beschränkungen wurde ein Prüfverfahren entwickelt, das eine luftgekoppelte Anregung geführter Ultraschallwellen mit einer laserbasierten Detektion kombiniert. Nachdem das Prüfverfahren zunächst mit einer einfachen Signalauswertung im Zeitbereich getestet wurde, konnte in nachfolgenden Untersuchungen die örtliche Auflösung durch die Implementierung von Filteralgorithmen im Frequenz-Wellenzahl-Bereich und zusätzlich durch direktionale Filter erhöht werden. Das resultierende bildgebende Prüfverfahren wurde an realitätsnahen Klebeproben mit künstlichen Fehlern getestet. Die Zuverlässigkeit und Ortsauflösung des Verfahrens wurde im Vergleich mit herkömmlichen Prüfverfahren validiert. Mithilfe des Verfahrens können Poren, Einschlüsse und Bereiche mit ungenügender Verklebung detektiert werden.
In diesem Beitrag präsentieren wir innovative Methoden für die breitbandige und resonanzfreie Messung und Anregung von Ultraschall. Das Messverfahren verwendet eine Kunststofffolie und ein Laser-Vibrometer als breitbandigen und resonanzfreien Empfänger. Im Allgemeinen ermöglicht dieses Verfahren eine präzise Messung der Schallschnelle und des Schalldruckes in beliebigen, für das Laserlicht transparenten Flüssigkeiten und Gasen mit bekannter Dichte und Schallgeschwindigkeit. Das resonanzfreie Senden von Ultraschall basiert auf einem elektro-thermo-akustischen Wandlerprinzip und ermöglicht, im Gegensatz zu herkömmlichen Ultraschallwandlern, die Erzeugung von beliebig geformten akustischen Signalen ohne Resonanzen und ohne Nachschwingen.
Für die Prüfung von Leichtbaustrukturen ist in den letzten Jahren ein vermehrter Einsatz der Luftultraschallprüfung zu verzeichnen. Insbesondere eignet sich Luftultraschall für die Prüfung von Faserkunststoffverbunden und hybrider Werkstoffverbunde, die ihre Anwendung in der Automobilindustrie und Luftfahrt finden. Für den Bau von marktüblichen Luftultraschall-Wandlern werden Piezokomposite mit Anpassschichten versehen. Ihre Herstellung ist allerdings sehr anspruchsvoll und die erreichbaren Signal-Rausch-Abstände sind für viele Prüfprobleme als noch nicht ausreichend einzustufen. Zwecks gesteigerter Effizienz beim Schallübertrag in die Luft wurden Luftultraschall-Sender und -Empfänger aus zellulärem Polypropylen entwickelt. Dieses piezoelektrische Material ist aufgrund seiner geringer Dichte und seiner sehr geringen Schallgeschwindigkeit an die niedrige akustische Impedanz der Luft deutlich besser angepasst, als die üblicherweise verwendeten Anpassschichten. Letztere können bei Polypropylen-Wandlern daher gänzlich vermieden werden.
In diesem Beitrag wird Luftultraschall-Prüfung an zwei verschiedenen CFK-Testkörpern vorgestellt: an einer Platte mit T-Stringern aus dem Seitenleitwerk eines Flugzeugs und an einer Platte mit künstlich eingebrachten Fehlern. Es wurde mit unterschiedlichen planaren und fokussierenden Wandlern geprüft. Marktübliche Wandler mit Anpassschichten wurden mit den selbstentwickelten Wandlern aus zellulärem Polypropylen verglichen. Der Signal-Rausch-Abstand und die laterale Auflösung wurden sowohl im Prüfaufbau mit senkrechter Einschallung als auch mit Schrägeinschallung gemessen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Schrägeinschallung zwar den Signal-Rauschabstand erhöht, aber die laterale Auflösung verschlechtern kann.
Novel air-coupled ultrasonic transducer combining the thermoacoustic with the piezoelectric effect
(2016)
In recent years, there has been an increasing industrial demand for one-sided inspection of various structures by means of air-coupled ultrasonic technique. Lightweight structures based on carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers may have very complex shapes, making air-coupled transmission difficult or even impossible. The inspection of concrete structures is another example where one-sided inspection is required.
To address these challenges a new type of transducer for air-coupled pulse-echo inspection was developed, which unites two principles: thermoacoustic emission and piezoelectric reception. The thermoacoustic emitter is a titanium electrode with a thickness of several tens of nanometer. This electrode was deposited onto charged cellular polypropylene, which serves as a piezoelectric receiver. The thermoacoustic transmission is based on a transformation of the thermal energy of an electrically heated electrode into the acoustic energy of an ultrasonic wave. Thermoacoustic emitters provide resonance-free behaviour and thus extremely broadband pulses. Charged cellular polypropylene is piezoelectric due to the polarization of its cells and it is well matched to air, with a Young modulus in the order of magnitude of MPa. In this contribution we present some pulse-echo measurements with the first prototypes of the combined thermoacoustic-piezoelectric transducer.
Novel air-coupled ultrasonic transducer combining the thermoacoustic with the piezoelectric effect
(2016)
In recent years, there has been an increasing industrial demand for one-sided inspection of various structures by means of air-coupled ultrasonic technique. Lightweight structures based on carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers may have very complex shapes, making air-coupled transmission difficult or even impossible. The inspection of concrete structures is another example where one-sided inspection is required.
To address these challenges a new type of transducer for air-coupled pulse-echo inspection was developed, which unites two principles: thermoacoustic emission and piezoelectric reception. The thermoacoustic emitter is a titanium electrode with a thickness of several tens of nanometer. This electrode was deposited onto charged cellular polypropylene, which serves as a piezoelectric receiver. The thermoacoustic transmission is based on a transformation of the thermal energy of an electrically heated electrode into the acoustic energy of an ultrasonic wave. Thermoacoustic emitters provide resonance-free behaviour and thus extremely broadband pulses. Charged cellular polypropylene is piezoelectric due to the polarization of its cells and it is well matched to air, with a Young modulus in the order of magnitude of MPa. In this contribution we present some pulse-echo measurements with the first prototypes of the combined thermoacoustic-piezoelectric transducer.
Air-coupled ultrasound has been applied increasingly as a non-destructive testing method for lightweight construction in recent years. It is particularly appropriate for composite materials being used in automotive and aviation industry. Air-coupled ultrasound transducers mostly consist of piezoelectric materials and matching layers. However, their fabrication is challenging and their signal-to-noise ratio often not sufficient for many testing requirements. To enhance the efficiency, air-coupled ultrasound transducers made of cellular polypropylene have been developed. Because of its small density and sound velocity, this piezoelectric ferroelectret matches the small acoustic impedance of air much better than matching layers applied in conventional transducers. In our contribution, we present two different methods of spherical focusing of ferroelectret transducers for the further enhancement of their performance in NDT applications. Measurements on carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) samples and on metal adhesive joints performed with commercially available focused air-coupled ultrasound transducers are compared to measurements executed with self-developed focused ferroelectret transducers.
Viscoelastic properties of cellular polypropylene ferroelectrets (PP FEs) were studied at low
frequencies (0.3–33 Hz) by dynamic mechanical analysis and at high frequencies (250 kHz) by laser Doppler vibrometry. Relaxation behavior of the in-plane Young’s modulus (Y´
11~1500 MPa at room temperature) was observed and attributed to the viscoelastic response of polypropylene matrix.
The out-of-plane Young’s modulus is very small (Y´33≈0.1 MPa) at low frequencies, frequency- and stress-dependent, evidencing nonlinear viscoelastic response of PP FEs. The highfrequency mechanical response of PP FEs is shown to be linear viscoelastic with Y´33≈0.8 MPa. It is described by thickness vibration mode and modeled as a damped harmonic oscillator with one degree of freedom. Frequency dependence of Y*33 in the large dynamic strain regime is described by the broad Cole-Cole relaxation with a mean frequency in kHz range attributed to the Dynamics of the air flow between partially closed air-filled voids in PP FEs. Switching-off the relaxation contribution causes dynamic crossover from the nonlinear viscoelastic regime at low frequencies to the linear viscoelastic regime at high frequencies. In the small strain regime, contribution of the air flow seems to be insignificant and the power-law response, attributed to the mechanics of polypropylene cell walls and closed air voids, dominates in a broad frequency range. Mechanical Relaxation caused by the air flow mechanism takes place in the sound and ultrasound frequency range (10 Hz–1MHz) and, therefore, should be taken into account in ultrasonic applications of the PP FEs deal with strong exciting or receiving signals.
Airborne ultrasonic inspection is performed in through transmission, where the test piece (e.g. adhesive joint or polymer-based composite plate) is placed between the transmitter and the receiver. However, many structures with difficult shapes allow only one-sided inspection. The strong reflection of the signal from the surface overshadows the signals from the inside, so that broadband pulses are required. Thermoacoustic transmission, where the thermal energy of an electrically heated electrode is transformed into the acoustic energy of an ultrasonic wave, opens the possibility to excite broadband pulses and thus to inspect objects with one-sided access.
We present various thermoacoustic transducers consisting of an electrically conductive film on a solid substrate. The first type of transducer is a transmitter with an indium-tin-oxide electrode on a glass substrate combined with a laser Doppler vibrometer as a receiver. The second type of transducer combines thermoacoustic transmission and piezoelectric reception, having a titanium electrode as a transmitter deposited onto charged cellular polypropylene serving as a piezoelectric receiver.
Using a focusing thermoacoustic transmitter and a separate cellular polypropylene receiver, a through-transmission inspection of a 4 mm thick CFRP test piece with inserts as small as 1 mm was performed. The same emitter and a laser vibrometer as a receiver were used for a one-sided inspection of a Plexiglas block with a cross hole at 15 mm depth. A twin probe consisting of a thermoacoustic transmitter on a cellular polypropylene receiver was applied to a profile measurement on a step wedge with flat bottom holes. The smallest detected diameter of a flat bottom hole was 1 mm. Sound pressure level above 140dB was achieved with each of these transmitters. Thermoacoustic transmitters enable a step towards one-sided air-coupled ultrasonic inspection.
Airborne ultrasonic inspection is performed in through transmission, where the test piece (e.g. adhesive joint or polymer-based composite plate) is placed between the transmitter and the receiver. However, many structures with difficult shapes allow only one-sided inspection. The strong reflection of the signal from the surface overshadows the signals from the inside, so that broadband pulses are required. Thermoacoustic transmission, where the thermal energy of an electrically heated electrode is transformed into the acoustic energy of an ultrasonic wave, opens the possibility to excite broadband pulses and thus to inspect objects with one-sided access.
We present various thermoacoustic transducers consisting of an electrically conductive film on a solid substrate. The first type of transducer is a transmitter with an indium-tin-oxide electrode on a glass substrate combined with a laser Doppler vibrometer as a receiver. The second type of transducer combines thermoacoustic transmission and piezoelectric reception, having a titanium electrode as a transmitter deposited onto charged cellular polypropylene serving as a piezoelectric receiver.
Using a focusing thermoacoustic transmitter and a separate cellular polypropylene receiver, a through-transmission inspection of a 4 mm thick CFRP test piece with inserts as small as 1 mm was performed. The same emitter and a laser vibrometer as a receiver were used for a one-sided inspection of a Plexiglas block with a cross hole at 15 mm depth. A twin probe consisting of a thermoacoustic transmitter on a cellular polypropylene receiver was applied to a profile measurement on a step wedge with flat bottom holes. The smallest detected diameter of a flat bottom hole was 1 mm. Sound pressure level above 140dB was achieved with each of these transmitters. Thermoacoustic transmitters enable a step towards one-sided air-coupled ultrasonic inspection.
Applications of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composites in modern industries are increasing due to their considerable advantages such as light weight and excellent mechanical properties. Accordingly, importance of operational safety of modern structures made of advanced composites by ensuring the material quality has led to increasing demands for development of non-destructive evaluation (NDE) systems. In the context of a European project entitled “Validated Inspection Techniques for Composites in Energy Applications” (VITCEA), the aim is to develop and validate traceable procedures for novel NDE techniques with contrasting damage detection capabilities in energy related applications such as wind and marine turbine blades, nacelles, oil and gas flexible risers. Accordingly, VITCEA focuses on optimization of ultrasonic tests (UTs) for quantitative defect detection and quality characterization of FRP structures. In this context, the present study describes the ultrasound field in heterogeneous composite materials. The theoretical predictions are compared with simulation results obtained from CIVA a software package dedicated to NDT simulations based on the asymptotic ray theory.
Rising importance of composite lightweight structures in aircraft and automobile industries increases the demand on reliable non-destructive testing methods for these structures. Air-coupled ultrasonic testing emerged to suit these requirements as it does not require any liquid coupling medium. In conventional air-coupled ultrasonic transducers, matching layers are used in order to decrease the impedance mismatch between transducer and air. Matching layers can be omitted by using ferroelectrets, which are charged cellular polymers having ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties. Especially a low Young’s modulus, low density and low sound velocity of cellular polypropylene (cPP) are properties being required for well-matched air-coupled ultrasonic transducers.
In our contribution we show recent enhancements of cPP transducers resulting in focused sound fields and thus improved lateral sensitivity. The influence of different transmitter apertures was evaluated using measurements of the emitted sound field. Further we show a transmission of a test specimen of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) containing artificial damages. Results of focused transducers were compared to planar ferroelectret transducers, as well as to conventional air-coupled transducers.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) helps to find material defects without having an influence on the material itself. It is applied as a method of quality control, for online structural health monitoring, and for inspection of safety related components. Due to the ability of automation and a simple test setup ultrasonic testing is one major NDT technique next to several existing options. Whereas contact technique allows the use of higher frequencies of some MHz and phased array focusing, air-coupled ultrasonic testing (ACUT) shows different advantages. Most significant for ACUT is the absence of any coupling fluid and an economical test procedure respective time and costs. Both contact technique and ACUT have been improved and enhanced during the past years. One important enhancement is the development of airborne transducers based on ferroelectrets, like charged cellular polypropylene (cpp), which makes the application of any matching layers being mandatory in conventional piezoelectric transducers unnecessary. In this contribution we show ultrasonic inspection results of specimens made of carbon- and glass-fibre-reinforced plastic. These specimens include defects represented by drill holes and artificial delaminations of various size and depth. We compare inspection results achieved by using contact technique to those achieved by ACUT. For ACUT, conventional piezoelectric transducers and transducers based on cpp were used, both focused as well as non-focused types. Contact inspections were performed with a multi-channel matrix array probe. Once the inspection data is recorded it can be analysed in order to detect and evaluate defects in the specimen. We present different analysing strategies and compare these regarding detection rate and sizing of defects.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) helps to find material defects without having an influence on the material itself. It is applied as a method of quality control, for online structural health monitoring, and for inspection of safety related components. Due to the ability of automation and a simple test setup ultrasonic testing is one major NDT technique next to several existing options. Whereas contact technique allows the use of higher frequencies of some MHz and phased array focusing, air-coupled ultrasonic testing (ACUT) shows different advantages. Most significant for ACUT is the absence of any coupling fluid and an economical test procedure respective time and costs. Both contact technique and ACUT have been improved and enhanced during the past years. One important enhancement is the development of airborne transducers based on ferroelectrets, like charged cellular polypropylene (cpp), which makes the application of any matching layers being mandatory in conventional piezoelectric transducers unnecessary. In this contribution we show ultrasonic inspection results of specimens made of carbon- and glass-fibre-reinforced plastic. These specimens include defects represented by drill holes and artificial delaminations of various size and depth. We compare inspection results achieved by using contact technique to those achieved by ACUT. For ACUT, conventional piezoelectric transducers and transducers based on cpp were used, both focused as well as non-focused types. Contact inspections were performed with a multi-channel matrix array probe. Once the inspection data is recorded it can be analysed in order to detect and evaluate defects in the specimen. We present different analysing strategies and compare these regarding detection rate and sizing of defects.
Luftultraschall wird immer häufiger für die Prüfung von anisotropen Faserverbunden eingesetzt. Meistens wir in Durchschallung geprüft, aber bei der einseitigen Zugänglichkeit muss eine Art Tandemtechnik mit Anregung von geführten Wellen angewendet werden. Bei beiden Techniken ist der Signal-Rausch-Abstand wegen der niedrigen akustischen Impedanz der Luft deutlich kleiner als bei einer typischen Prüfung in Kontakttechnik. Bei der Tandemtechnik wird das Signal zusätzlich durch eine größere Divergenz und Dämpfung geschwächt. Deshalb ist es wichtig, die Anregung, Ausbreitung und Detektion von geführten Wellen in Faserverbunden zu verstehen. In diesem Beitrag wird ein Finite-Elemente-Modell für die Simulation von luftgekoppelter Anregung und Ausbreitung von geführten Wellen in Faserverbunden vorgestellt und mit Messungen verglichen. Insbesondere wurde die Wellenausbreitung und Modenkonversion in der Nähe von Schäden in mehreren Parameterstudien untersucht.
Im EMRP-Projekt VITCEA werden komplementäre ZFP-Verfahren zur Prüfung von Faserverbundwerkstoffen weiterentwickelt und validiert. In diesem Beitrag werden Ergebnisse verschiedener Techniken der aktiven Thermografie und des Ultraschalls vorgestellt. Die Nachweisempfindlichkeiten bezüglich künstlicher und natürlicher Fehler mit unterschiedlichen lateralen Ausdehnungen und in verschiedenen Tiefen werden miteinander verglichen.
Luftgekoppelte Ultraschallwandler werden für die bildgebende Prüfung von Klebeverbindungen und Verbundwerkstoffen eingesetzt. Nach dem heutigen Stand der Technik wird die Prüfung in Durchschallung durchgeführt, d.h. der Prüfling befindet sich zwischen dem Sender und dem Empfänger. Allerdings erlauben komplexere Strukturen wie z.B. Teile einer PKW-Karosserie, nur einen einseitigen Zugang. Für die Prüfung solcher Bauteile sind Wandler von hoher Bandbreite von Vorteil. Thermoakustische Wechselwirkung, wobei thermische Energie einer elektrisch geheizten Elektrode in akustische umgewandelt wird, öffnet die Möglichkeit, extrem breitbandige Pulse zu erzeugen.
In unserem Beitrag werden verschiedene thermoakustische Sender vorgestellt. Die meisten bestehen aus einer elektrisch leitenden Schicht auf einem festen Substrat. Der erste Typ ist ein Sender mit einer Elektrode aus Indium-Zinn-Oxid auf Glas-Substrat kombiniert mit einem Laser-Doppler-Vibrometer als Empfänger. Diese Kombination ermöglicht extrem breitbandige Signale. Der zweite Typ kombiniert thermoakustische Emission mit piezoelektrischem Empfang. Dieser Typ besteht aus einer Titan-Elektrode auf geladenem zellulärem Polypropylen, das als piezoelektrischer Empfänger dient. Zelluläres Polypropylen ist mit einem Elastizitätsmodul von ca. 1 MPa bei 250 kHz an die Luft sehr gut angepasst. Der dritte Wandlertyp ist ein Wandler mit elektrostatischen Gasentladung unter Atmosphärendruck.
Mit dem fokussierenden thermoakustischen Sender (Typ 1) und einem Polypropylen-Empfänger ist eine Durchschallung einer 4 mm dicken Platte aus carbonfaserverstärktem Kunststoff gelungen. Künstliche Delaminationen mit der Größe 1 mm wurden detektiert. Derselbe Sender kombiniert mit einem Laser-Doppler-Vibrometer als Empfänger wurden für die Prüfung von einem Testkörper aus PMMA mit einseitigem Zugang eingesetzt. Der Wandler bestehend aus einem thermoakustischen Sender auf einem Polypropylen-Empfänger (Typ 2) wurde für die Profilvermessung eines Stufenkeils eingesetzt. Dabei wurden Flachbodenbohrungen mit einem Durchmesser 1 mm abgebildet. Mit diesen beiden Sendern wurde ein Schalldruckpegel über 140dB im Fokus gemessen. Der Wandler mit der Funkenentladung (Typ 3) wurde für die Charakterisierung von Luftultraschallwandlern eingesetzt. Auf Basis dieses Entladungstyps wurde ein Schalldruckpegel über 160dB an einem Abstand von 150 mm gemessen, was deutlich über dem Schallpegel aller bekannten Luftultraschall-Wandler liegt. Die größte Bandbreite von deutlich über 100% der Mittenfrequenz wurde mit dem Wandler Typ 1 erreicht. So große Bandbreiten ermöglichen neue Anwendungen für Luftultraschallwandler, insbesondere wenn kombiniert mit Signalverarbeitungsalgorithmen.
In diesem Vortrag wurde eine Übersicht über die aktuelle Forschung im Gebiet des Luftultraschalls gegeben. Insbesondere wurden Luftultraschall-Wandler vorgestellt, die nicht wie marktübliche Wandler auf Basis von Piezokeramik gebaut werden, sondern auf anderen Prinzipien basieren. Ferroelektret-Wandler und thermoakustische Wandler werden vorgestellt, sowie Wandler, die auf einer Kombination von diesen zwei Prinzipien basieren.
Highly sensitive air-coupled ultrasonic sensors are essential for various applications such as testing of composite materials. One of the major challenges for the development of air-coupled ultrasonic sensors is the impedance matching to air. With a lower acoustic impedance than the usual piezoelectric materials, charged cellular polypropylene film (cPP) offers better matching to air with a similar piezoelectric coefficient. The piezoelectric behaviour demonstrated by cPP comes from polarized air cells that create a permanent internal voltage. The sensitivity of the sensor varies with the application of an additional DC bias voltage. Thus, this work presents a cPP ultrasonic sensor with an improvement of up to 15 ± 1 dB on the signal-to-noise ratio.
Highly sensitive air-coupled ultrasonic sensors are essential for various applications such as testing of composite materials. One of the major challenges for the development of air-coupled ultrasonic sensors is the impedance matching to air. With a lower acoustic impedance than the usual piezoelectric materials, charged cellular polypropylene film (cPP) offers better matching to air with a similar piezoelectric coefficient. The piezoelectric behaviour demonstrated by cPP comes from polarized air cells that create a permanent internal voltage. The sensitivity of the sensor varies with the application of an additional DC bias voltage. Thus, this work presents a cPP ultrasonic sensor with an improvement of up to 15 ± 1 dB on the signal-to-noise ratio.
Analog zu Blitz und Donner können elektrische Entladungen innerhalb eines Gasvolumens als akustische Quellen agieren und haben daher eine starke Verbreitung als diagnostische Methode (bspw. in der Raumakustik und bei der Ortung von Teilentladungen). Diese auf dem Prinzip der Thermoakustik beruhende Möglichkeit der Schallerzeugung und die damit verbundenen physikalischen Wechselwirkungen machen die Notwendigkeit einer mechanisch ausgelenkten Membran überflüssig. Dabei wird dem hochfrequenten Träger das Nutzsignal aufgeprägt, welches eine Volumenänderung des umliegenden Gases um seinen Ruhezustand verursacht. Durch die somit hervorgerufene zyklische thermische Wechselwirkung mit dem umliegenden Gasgemisch bedarf es daher ebenfalls keiner akustischen Anpassung. In den vorgestellten Ergebnissen wurde das Übertragungsverhalten eines Oberflächenplasmas (SDBD, surface dielectric barrier discharge) untersucht. Als Maß für den Wirkungsgrad und das Übertragungsverhalten des Aktuators wurden Klirrfaktor- und THD- Messungen und unter Variation der Eingangsleistungen durchgeführt. Durch die positiven akustischen Eigenschaften eröffnen sich neue Applikationen für den Einsatz von Plasmahochtönern wie bspw. zerstörungsfreie Werkstoffprüfung von Verbundsystemen und Klebeverbindungen im Automobilsektor oder im Bauwesen.
Air-coupled ultrasonic testing (ACUT) has experienced rapid growth within the last years. It is especially well suited to inspection of lightweight structures consisting of composite materials and adhesive joints. Uniform coupling and easy maintenance are its advantages compared to contact technique. However, the impedance mismatch between the transducer and air poses a major challenge to the development of ACUT transducers. Commercially available air-coupled transducers consist of a piezocomposite material and matching layers. Their fabrication is difficult in handling and their signal-to-noise ratio sometimes not sufficient for various testing requirements. However, there are several innovative approaches using other materials and other physical principles to transmit and receive an ultrasonic pulse. We present a review of the latest advances in research on air-coupled transducers for non-destructive testing, including previously unpublished results. We recognize two major directions as most promising: ferroelectrets and thermoacoustic transducers. Ferroelectrets are charged cellular polymers exhibiting piezoelectric properties. Their small acoustic impedance is matched to air better than matching layers applied in conventional air-coupled transducers. Applying bias voltage to a ferroelectret receiver is the latest development in this field, which increased the received signal by 12 to 15 dB. Thermoacoustic transducers use heat to initiate an ultrasonic wave, acting as transmitters. The working principle is known from nature as thunder and lightning: thermal energy of an electrically heated material, which can also be air, is converted into acoustic energy. Some thermoacoustic transmitters consist of a conductive layer with a thickness in the nanometer range deposited on a solid substrate. Another possibility is to use an electric spark. For the first time, measurements of the sound field of an electric spark up to 500 kHz were performed. Thermoacoustic transducers enable excitation of extremely broadband pulses while producing high pressure levels, which opens new possibilities for advanced signal processing.
Die physikalische Komplexität der Gasentladungen führt zu vielen Möglichkeiten für die Interaktion der Entladung mit ihrer Umgebung. Zu den typischen Anwendungen zählen Modifikationen der Materialoberflächen und Erzeugung von Ionen für Massenspektroskopie. Atmosphärendruckplasma generiert eine große Menge thermischer Energie wegen der Kollisionen in der Plasmarandschicht. Eine rasche Temperaturänderung kann in dem umgebenden Gas eine akustische Welle erzeugen, wie beim Blitz und Donner, was als thermoakustischer Effekt bekannt ist. Außerdem kann auch die Bewegung der Ladungsträger im elektrischen Feld, bekannt als ionischer Wind, eine akustische Welle erzeugen.
In diesem Beitrag werden Versuche mit akustischer Emission von Plasma bei dielektrischer Oberflächenentladung und bei Mikrohohlkathoden dargestellt. Es werden auch mögliche Anwendungen für Plasmadiagnostik, sowie für den Bau von Schallwandlern für den Hör- und Ultraschallbereich präsentiert. Verglichen mit anderen Methoden der Schallerzeugung, hat die thermoakustische Anregung den Vorteil, dass sie auch ohne eine schwingende Masse auskommt, womit eine große Bandbreite erreicht wird, sowie den Vorteil einer guten Anpassung der akustischen Impedanz.
Um den sicheren Betrieb von Windkraftanlagen zu gewährleisten, werden Rotorblätter nach der Fertigung und nach Reparatur mit verschiedenen zerstörungsfreien Verfahren auf Schaden untersucht. Bei der Fertigung von Blattschalen, die in einer Sandwich-Schalenbauweise gefertigt werden, entstehen Imperfektionen, die unter Belastung zu großen Rissen führen können. Zur Prüfung von Blattschalen wird unter anderem Ultraschallprüfung in Kontakttechnik eingesetzt. Um den Wartungsaufwand von Ultraschallanlagen zu reduzieren und um manche Kompositstrukturen vor Koppelmittel zu schützen, wird die Anwendung von Luftultraschall erforscht. Insbesondere große Fortschritte gibt es im Bereich der Entwicklung neuer Wandler.
In diesem Beitrag berichten wir über die Luftultraschallprüfung von Schalen für Rotorblätter. Es wurden typische Sandwichschalenstrukturen hergestellt und mit einem eigenentwickelten Schalenprüfstand unter simulierter Betriebsbeanspruchung belastet. Die in den Schalenprüfkörpern entstandenen Schäden wurden außerhalb des Prüfstandes mit Luftultraschall in Durchschallung untersucht. Es wurden fokussierende Wandler auf Basis von Ferroelektreten entwickelt und für diese Prüfungen eingesetzt. Mit zusätzlicher elektrischer Vorspannung konnte die Empfindlichkeit der Empfänger deutlich erhöht werden. Die nach dem Lastwechsel entstandenen Schäden in den Rotorblattschalen waren eindeutig zu detektieren.
Um den sicheren Betrieb von Windkraftanlagen zu gewährleisten, werden Rotorblätter nach der Fertigung und nach Reparatur mit verschiedenen zerstörungsfreien Verfahren auf Schaden untersucht. Bei der Fertigung von Blattschalen, die in einer Sandwich-Schalenbauweise gefertigt werden, entstehen Imperfektionen, die unter Belastung zu großen Rissen führen können. Zur Prüfung von Blattschalen wird unter anderem Ultraschallprüfung in Kontakttechnik eingesetzt. Um den Wartungsaufwand von Ultraschallanlagen zu reduzieren und um manche Kompositstrukturen vor Koppelmittel zu schützen, wird die Anwendung von Luftultraschall erforscht. Insbesondere große Fortschritte gibt es im Bereich der Entwicklung neuer Wandler.
In diesem Beitrag berichten wir über die Luftultraschallprüfung von Schalen für Rotorblätter. Es wurden typische Sandwichschalenstrukturen hergestellt und mit einem eigenentwickelten Schalenprüfstand unter simulierter Betriebsbeanspruchung belastet. Die in den Schalenprüfkörpern entstandenen Schäden wurden außerhalb des Prüfstandes mit Luftultraschall in Durchschallung untersucht. Es wurden fokussierende Wandler auf Basis von Ferroelektreten entwickelt und für diese Prüfungen eingesetzt. Mit zusätzlicher elektrischer Vorspannung konnte die Empfindlichkeit der Empfänger deutlich erhöht werden. Die nach dem Lastwechsel entstandenen Schäden in den Rotorblattschalen waren eindeutig zu detektieren.
Air-coupled ultrasonic testing (ACUT) has experienced rapid growth within the last years. It is especially well suited to inspection of lightweight structures consisting of composite materials and adhesive joints. Uniform coupling and easy maintenance are its advantages compared to contact technique. However, the impedance mismatch between the transducer and air poses a major challenge to the development of ACUT transducers. Commercially available air-coupled transducers consist of a piezocomposite material and matching layers. Their fabrication is difficult in handling and their signal-to-noise ratio sometimes not sufficient for various testing requirements. However, there are several innovative approaches using other materials and other physical principles to transmit and receive an ultrasonic pulse. We present a review of the latest advances in research on air-coupled transducers for non-destructive testing, including previously unpublished results. We recognize two major directions as most promising: ferroelectrets and thermoacoustic transducers. Ferroelectrets are charged cellular polymers exhibiting piezoelectric properties. Their small acoustic impedance is matched to air better than matching layers applied in conventional air-coupled transducers. Applying bias voltage to a ferroelectret receiver is the latest development in this field, which increased the received signal by 12 to 15 dB. Thermoacoustic transducers use heat to initiate an ultrasonic wave, acting as transmitters. The working principle is known from nature as thunder and lightning: thermal energy of an electrically heated material, which can also be air, is converted into acoustic energy. Some thermoacoustic transmitters consist of a conductive layer with a thickness in the nanometer range deposited on a solid substrate. Another possibility is to use an electric spark. For the first time, measurements of the sound field of an electric spark up to 500 kHz were performed. Thermoacoustic transducers enable excitation of extremely broadband pulses while producing high pressure levels, which opens new possibilities for advanced signal processing.
Air-coupled ultrasound (ACU) is increasingly used for automated and contactless inspection of large-scale composite structures as well as for non-destructive testing (NDT) of water-sensitive or porous materials. The major challenge to overcome using ACU in NDT is the enormous loss of ultrasonic energy at each solid-air interface caused by the high acoustic impedance mismatch. Resonant low-frequency piezoceramic transducers are specially designed to achieve high sound pressure levels. For an expanded use of this technique, however, the spatial resolution needs to be increased.
Recent studies of our collaborative research group demonstrated the successful application of a resonance-free, highly sensitive receiver that uses a Fabry-Pérot etalon instead of piezoceramic materials or membranes. However, to reach the full potential of this broadband small-aperture optical microphone, novel transmitter concepts have to be developed and evaluated for advanced NDT applications.
Different types of transmitter were tested in combination with the optical microphone acting as receiver and they were compared to conventional piezoceramic transducers in through-transmission mode. Monolithic carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and CFRP sandwich structures containing different defect types were inspected. Presented results are processed as C-scan images and further evaluated for spatial resolution, signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity of each measurement setup. Novel transmitter concepts, such as ferroelectret and thermoacoustic emitters, show promising findings with a considerably improved time and spatial resolution for ACU-NDT.