Simulation and experiment for the inspection of stainless steel bolts in servicing using an ultrasonic phased array

Abstract

The non-destructive testing of small-sized (M12–M20) stainless steel bolts in servicing is always a technical problem. This article focuses on the simulation and experimental research of stainless steel bolts with an artificial defect reflector using ultrasonic phased array inspection. Based on the observation of the sound field distribution of stainless steel bolts in ultrasonic phased array as well as simulation modelling and analysis of the phased array probes' detection effects with various defect sizes, different artificial defect reflectors of M16 stainless steel bolts are machined in reference to the simulation results. Next, those bolts are tested using a 10-wafer phased array probe with 5 MHz. The test results finally prove that ultrasonic phased array can detect 1-mm cracks in diameter with different depths of M16 stainless steel bolts and a metal loss of Φ1 mm of through-hole bolts, which provides technical support for future non-destructive testing of stainless steel bolts in servicing.

Keywords::

• ultrasonic phased array
• stainless steel bolts
• non-destructive testing
• crack

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Science and Technology Planning Project of General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China [grant number 400001774-2014QK248].