NM01MMA470

The Sonatest Medium Angle Beam Shearwave Probe with a 70º refracted angle is a single-element ultrasonic transducer specifically designed for performing angle beam inspections using shear wave propagation within a test material. This probe is characterized by the following key attributes:

• Wave Mode: It generates shear waves (S), which are ultrasonic waves that oscillate perpendicular to their direction of travel. Shear waves are particularly effective for detecting discontinuities that have a significant component perpendicular to the inspection surface, such as vertically oriented cracks, lack of fusion in welds, and other similar flaw types.

• Refracted Angle: The probe produces a nominal refracted angle of 70 degrees when the ultrasonic beam enters a steel material. This steeper angle of incidence is often chosen strategically to optimize the detection of flaws with specific orientations that might be less effectively interrogated by shallower angles like 45 or 60 degrees. It's particularly useful for detecting flaws closer to the surface or those with a more vertical orientation.

• Center Frequency: Operating at a center frequency of 4 MHz, this probe strikes a balance between the depth of penetration achievable in the material and the resolution, which is the ability to distinguish between closely spaced reflectors or to accurately size small flaws. 4 MHz is a widely used frequency for general-purpose ultrasonic testing, offering a good compromise for a broad range of materials and thicknesses.

• Connector Type: The probe is equipped with a Lemo 00 connector, a robust and industry-standard coaxial connector commonly used in ultrasonic testing equipment. This ensures a secure and reliable electrical connection between the transducer and the ultrasonic flaw detector or instrument.

• Crystal Size: It features a piezoelectric crystal with dimensions of 14 mm x 16 mm. The size and shape of the active element within the transducer influence the characteristics of the ultrasonic beam, including its beam width, focusing capabilities (when used with a wedge or lens), and overall sensitivity. This rectangular crystal size is a common configuration for many standard angle beam probes.

• Manufacturer: This probe is manufactured by Sonatest, a globally recognized and reputable company specializing in the design and production of high-quality ultrasonic non-destructive testing equipment and probes. Choosing a Sonatest probe assures a certain level of performance and reliability.

• Damping: While not explicitly stated, Sonatest "Medium Angle Beam" probes typically feature medium damping. The damping level affects the probe's bandwidth (the range of frequencies it effectively transmits and receives) and the duration of the ultrasonic pulse. Medium damping generally provides a good balance between sensitivity and resolution, making it suitable for a wide variety of inspection tasks.

• Applications: Probes with a 70-degree shear wave angle are commonly employed for:

  • Weld inspection: Particularly effective for detecting vertical cracks, lack of side wall fusion, and other flaws with orientations more perpendicular to the weld surface.

  • Inspection of machined parts: Identifying subsurface defects in critical components where a steeper angle provides better access or reflection characteristics.

  • Testing of pipes and tubes: Detecting circumferential cracks and other flaws with specific orientations.

  • Inspection of castings and forgings: Locating internal discontinuities.