Ultrasonic testingUT

A two-dimensional plan-view map of a component produced by ultrasonic scanning, in which signal amplitude or time of flight is plotted over the scanned area. It is the standard output of automated composite inspection, showing the size and position of delaminations, voids and inclusions at a glance.

Inspection methods that assess the condition or internal quality of a material or component without damaging it, including ultrasonic, radiographic, thermographic, dye penetrant and acoustic emission techniques. It is essential for finding hidden defects such as delaminations, voids and disbonds in safety-critical structures.

Separation of the plies within a laminate, caused by impact, manufacturing defects, fatigue or moisture ingress. Because it can spread unseen beneath an undamaged surface and sharply reduces compressive strength, delamination is a primary target of non-destructive inspection.

A separation at a bonded interface, such as within an adhesive joint or between the skin and core of a sandwich panel. Disbonds may originate in manufacture or grow in service, and are detected by tap testing or ultrasonic inspection.