Ultrasonics Level 1

Training Objectives
This course provides a basic knowledge of ultrasonic testing fundamentals sufficient to enable the technician to carry out ultrasonic testing to established procedures under the supervision of Level 2 or Level 3 personnel.

Applicable Standards
This course meets the training syllabus requirements of CAN/CGSB-48.9712, ISO 9712 and SNT-TC-1A.

Responsibilities of Level 1 Personnel (as per CGSB)
Level 1 personnel are defined as personnel who properly perform specific calibrations and specific evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations, according to written instructions, and record results. Level 1 carry out industrial ultrasonics under the supervision of Level 2 or Level 3 personnel and shall receive the necessary instructions from a Level 2 or Level 3 individual.

Course Outline

Introduction

• Historical perspective of the use of ultrasound
• Comparison with other commonly used NDT methods

Fundamental Properties of Ultrasound

• Definition of ultrasonic vibrations
• Relationship of frequency velocity and wavelength
• Diffraction theory
• Modes of particle vibration
• Ultrasound uses

Generation of Ultrasonic Waves

• Piezoelectric crystal types and characteristics
• Search unit construction
• Search unit characteristics: resolution; sensitivity
• Search unit types: single element; dual element; Angle beam

Test Material Characteristics

• Velocity
• Sound attenuation
• Acoustic impedance

Sound Beam Characteristics

• Dead zone; Near zone; Far zone
• Intensity variations
• Probe diameter and frequency effect

Angular Incidence

• Reflection
• Transmission
• Refraction
• Mode conversion
• Critical angles
• Snell's Law

Ultrasonic Inspection Techniques

• Through transmission
• Pulse echo
• Angle beam
• Contact testing
• Immersion testing

Ultrasonic Testing Equipment

• Basic pulse echo instrument
• Control functions and uses
• Information displays: A scan, B scan, C scan, digital readouts
• Computer enhanced displays

Ultrasonic Reference Blocks

• Area amplitude blocks
• Distance amplitude blocks
• International Institute of Welding (IIW) block
• Miniature angle beam calibration block
• Uses of artificial reflectors compared

Inspected Part Variations

• Effect of surface roughness
• Effect of surface coatings
• Surface curvature
• Parallelism
• Grain size

Discontinuity Variations

• Size
• Shape
• Orientation
• Distance from entry surface

Note: Participants are requested to have a calculator capable of scientific notation. Safety shoes are mandatory for all laboratory work.

This course is offered in partnership with Canadian Institute for Non-Destructive Evaluation (CINDE).

Visit the CINDE website to register.