We express our gratitude to the author for contribution most of the HTML formating work. Transducer Workshop
Abstract
PVDF has become popular in recent years because of it's unique advantages. It is not a panacea however and I will discuss it's advantages and disadvantages relative to other popular materials. Because the PVDF family of materials offers advantages for arrays of transducers, especially large arrays, I will describe the various types of arrays and how they may be used in NDE.
I will also provide a tutorial for the advanced technologist who wishes to make his own transducers from PVDF and describe the advantages and difficulties in doing so.
My objective is to allow a more optimum selection of transducers based on the users needs and requirements. Each application is different, as is each material, and I hope to show how the properties of transducers effect NDE performance.
Robert A. Day.
Headed NDE Labortory for the GE Fst Breeder Reactor Department. Worked on
reactor related NDT applications. Received three patents on transducer
manufacturing techniques. Winner of the 1981 Engineering Award for
Technical Achievement in Materials, Manufacturing, and Quality
Engineering from the Power Systems Sector of General Electric Co.
Today he workes at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and developed ultrasonic
inspection techniques for the proposed US geological reactor spent fuel
repository at Yucca Mountain. Developed a 1 GHz acoustic microscope for
use on integrated circuit applications. Invented new acoustic emission
transducer which could withstand the intense light pulse associated with
Nova laser (biggest laser in the world) to help diagnose lens cracking
problem.
Second Sound:
Consultancy providing expertise to major and minor organizations on
ultrasonics, NDE robotics, and fixturing design service.
Robert A. Day is a registered Professional Engineer in California (QU -
1129). E-mail: rockyd@netcom.netcom.com Home Page:
Second Sound