Experiences from Qualification Defect Manufacturing for Ultrasonic Testing
M. Sarkimo, J. Pitkänen, VTT, Finland; R. Paussu, Fortum, Finland
ABSTRACT
During practical qualification trials different types of test defects are needed in the test samples. The defects can be either artificial, realistic or even real. The production of test samples and inclusion of defects in them is often time consuming and expensive part of the qualification process. A good knowledge about the applicability of defects to different purposes is important and valuable. When the samples and qualification cases are designed one should firstly know the manufacturing possibilities available. Secondly one should be able to predict with some accuracy the ultrasonic responses from the defects to be used. Finally one should also make an assessment how the defects applied represent or substitute the real ones. The paper concerns different manufacturing techniques to produce test defects and experiences gained from different trials are explained. Results of defect production are shown by giving mechanical measurement data and describing defect shapes achieved. The manufactured samples were scanned using mechanised ultrasonic measurement system. The results of the ultrasonic inspections are given in the paper including both numerical values and visual indication images. Finally some conclusions about the applicability of produced defects are drawn. The different features of the defects are discussed and possible application areas are considered.
Publication Source: 3nd International Conference on NDE in Relation to Structural Integrity for Nuclear and Pressurized Components, November 14-16, 2001, Seville Spain. Publisher: Tecnatom s.a. - [Homepage]
