The technique is widely used in industry because it is rapid, versatile, and applicable to a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, composites and concrete. Common applications include weld inspection, pipe wall thickness monitoring, detection of corrosion, and identification of incomplete bonding. In aviation, ultraljudstest is employed to inspect turbine blades and fuselage panels; in civil engineering it is used to evaluate concrete beams and bridges. The method can also serve research purposes, such as characterising acoustic velocity fields and measuring elastic moduli.
Ultraljudstest offers several advantages over other inspection techniques. It can detect subsurface defects invisible to visual inspection, and it can provide quantitative data on defect dimensions. The tests can be carried out in situ and on-shore, reducing downtime for the inspected equipment. However, the accuracy depends on several factors: the alignment of the transducer, coupling quality between the transducer and material, and the material’s acoustic properties. Complex geometries can create signal scattering, and highly attenuating materials may limit penetration depth.
The development of ultraljudstest dates back to the late 19th century when Henri Becquerel first discovered ultrasound in humans. Its use in industrial non‑destructive testing began in the 1930s, driven by the need for safer, more reliable inspection methods during wartime production. Modern advances, such as phased‑array scanning and time‑of‑flight diffraction, have expanded the technique’s resolution and applicability.
In summary, ultraljudstest is a key technique for ensuring the safety and reliability of critical components across a range of industries. Its ability to reveal hidden flaws, monitor material thickness, and assess structural health makes it indispensable for both routine maintenance and quality control.