A functional ultrasound camera system with an ultrasound sensitive multi-element array has been demonstrated and is currently in commercial product development. It is a novel non-destructive testing tool capable of imaging internal defects (e.g. voids, delamination, corrosion) and provides real time, depth sensitive C-scan information. The system uses a patented sensor array of ultrasound sensitive elements (128 x 128) that generates images in real time. This requires no mechanical scanning to acquire C-scan images. This low cost, portable tool can be used to generate real time images of subsurface corrosion, composite structures, etc.

The installation of the system could be similar to traditional C-Scan systems by immersing targets in water or by employing water squirter methods. However, since the camera system requires no mechanical scanning, the system can also be implemented as a handheld probe, with a couplant fluid if necessary. It would not require targets to be submerged in a fluid at all.

The application of the FUSIS system for NDE of composites will enable characterization of composites both while they are being formed, as well as for field testing of aging fleets. The system can be either a hand held real time imager for spot inspection by an operator, or integrated into a fabrication process for immediate production control information about large areas of composite structures.

The camera operates at either thirty frames a second (U.S. standard scan rate) or at fifty frames a second corresponding to frame rates employed in Europe. These high frame rates allows rapid movement of the probe in order to cover larger areas in real time. If more signal gain is required, multiple frames can be integrated to allow frame integration for improved signal to noise.

This work is supported in part by the Navy SBIR program.