An automated system for non-destructively evaluating spot welds that includes at least one matrix phased array probe; a fixture adapted to be mounted on a robot or other mechanical actuator, wherein the fixture is further adapted to retain the at least one matrix phased array probe; and an enclosure that includes at least one input for connecting to the at least one matrix phased array probe, ultrasonic phased array transmitting and receiving circuitry in electrical communication with the at least one input, at least one data processor running software that includes at least one algorithm for processing data received from the probe and generating discrete specifications of evaluated welds, wherein the discrete specifications further include pass indications or fail indications regarding weld acceptability; and at least one output for outputting the discrete specifications of evaluated welds.

An automated system for non-destructively evaluating spot welds that includes at least one matrix phased array probe; a fixture adapted to be mounted on a robot or other mechanical actuator, wherein the fixture is further adapted to retain the at least one matrix phased array probe; and an enclosure that includes at least one input for connecting to the at least one matrix phased array probe, ultrasonic phased array transmitting and receiving circuitry in electrical communication with the at least one input, at least one data processor running software that includes at least one algorithm for processing data received from the probe and generating discrete specifications of evaluated welds, wherein the discrete specifications further include pass indications or fail indications regarding weld acceptability; and at least one output for outputting the discrete specifications of evaluated welds.

A system for the non-destructive inspection of a structure includes a probe including a hollow cylindrical waveguide having a first region and a second region. The first region has a first diameter and the second region has a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than the first diameter. The first diameter is sized and configured for insertion into a structure. The system further includes at least one of sensor element capable of generating and detecting longitudinal and/or torsional ultrasonic guided waves in the waveguide. The at least one sensor element is configured to generate a guided wave pulse in the waveguide when a time-varying current is provided to the at least one sensor element. The at least one sensor element is configured to deflect reflected guided wave energy from one or more anomalies in the structure.

In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus for inspecting a part having a non-linear cross section includes a stationary sensor element including at least one phased array sensing unit, each of the at least one phased array sensing unit having a shape that is geometrically complimentary to the non-linear cross section of the part, and a support for the part having the non-linear cross section, the support comprising a drive assembly configured to move the part relative to the stationary sensor element, through an inspection beam emitted from the at least one phased array sensing unit.

A method for non-destructive inspection of at least one test object on a workpiece includes the steps of: obtaining a theoretical position of each test object in relation to a testing robot; capturing an image of each test object to obtain image data; determining a real position of each test object in relation to the testing robot on the basis of the image data; and bringing a sensor carried by the testing robot in contact with each test object to obtain a respective test measurement. For the certain type of inspection where the test instrument needs to be brought in physical contact with the test object to be inspected, it is crucial to know the exact position of the test object. As soon as the approximate position of the test object is known an image of the test object can be captured, and the exact position of the test object can be extracted from the respective image data.

A method for non-destructive inspection of at least one test object on a workpiece includes the steps of: obtaining a theoretical position of each test object in relation to a testing robot; capturing an image of each test object to obtain image data; determining a real position of each test object in relation to the testing robot on the basis of the image data; and bringing a sensor carried by the testing robot in contact with each test object to obtain a respective test measurement. For the certain type of inspection where the test instrument needs to be brought in physical contact with the test object to be inspected, it is crucial to know the exact position of the test object. As soon as the approximate position of the test object is known an image of the test object can be captured, and the exact position of the test object can be extracted from the respective image data.

A device and method for performing ultrasound scanning of a substantially cylindrical object, the device comprising a cuff adapted to fit around a circumference of the object, a carrier mounted slidably on the cuff and adapted to traverse the circumference of the object, an ultrasound probe mounted on the carrier and positioned to scan the circumference of the object as the carrier traverses the circumference of the object, a carrier motor mounted on the cuff or the carrier and used to drive the movement of the carrier about the circumference of the object, and one or more data connections providing control information for the carrier motor and the ultrasound probe and receiving scanning data from the ultrasound probe.

A probe arrangement for a testing system includes a base carrier that defines a longitudinal direction, which can be oriented parallel to a testing direction, and a transverse direction, which can be oriented perpendicularly to the testing direction. The base carrier carries a plurality of probe holders which are arranged next to one another in a row in the transverse direction. Each probe holder has a first probe region, which is equipped with at least one first probe, and a second probe region, which is equipped with at least one second probe. Each probe region defines an effective testing width such that, during relative movement of the test subject with respect to the probe arrangement along the testing direction through the probe region, a testing track having the effective testing width can be tested in a gap-free manner. The first probe region and the second probe region are arranged so as to be offset in relation to one another parallel to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the transverse direction such that a first testing track covered by the first probe region transitions on one side in a gap-free manner into a second testing track covered by the second probe region of the same probe holder, and transitions on the opposite side in a gap-free manner into a second testing track covered by a second probe region of a directly adjacent probe holder.

A probe arrangement for a testing system includes a base carrier that defines a longitudinal direction, which can be oriented parallel to a testing direction, and a transverse direction, which can be oriented perpendicularly to the testing direction. The base carrier carries a plurality of probe holders which are arranged next to one another in a row in the transverse direction. Each probe holder has a first probe region, which is equipped with at least one first probe, and a second probe region, which is equipped with at least one second probe. Each probe region defines an effective testing width such that, during relative movement of the test subject with respect to the probe arrangement along the testing direction through the probe region, a testing track having the effective testing width can be tested in a gap-free manner. The first probe region and the second probe region are arranged so as to be offset in relation to one another parallel to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the transverse direction such that a first testing track covered by the first probe region transitions on one side in a gap-free manner into a second testing track covered by the second probe region of the same probe holder, and transitions on the opposite side in a gap-free manner into a second testing track covered by a second probe region of a directly adjacent probe holder.

An ultrasonic testing apparatus structured to perform an ultrasonic inspection on a workpiece. The ultrasonic testing apparatus comprises an ultrasonic testing probe structured to generate an ultrasonic output directed toward the workpiece and to receive an ultrasonic input from the workpiece that is responsive to the output; a couplant delivery system comprising a couplant supply, the couplant delivery system further comprising an actuator which, when operated, is structured to apply from the couplant supply an amount of a couplant to at least one of the workpiece and the ultrasonic testing probe; and a control apparatus electrically connected with the ultrasonic testing probe and with the couplant delivery system, the control apparatus being structured to receive the ultrasonic input and being further structured to operate the actuator. A couplant delivery system that is operable with an ultrasonic testing apparatus that is structured to perform an ultrasonic inspection on a workpiece.