How To Choose The Right Ultrasonic Transducer - NDT-KITS BLOG

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The document discusses how to choose the right ultrasonic transducer for non-destructive testing applications. It covers factors like material type, frequency, diameter, and their effects on penetration, resolution, and sensitivity. Higher frequencies have better resolution but lower penetration while larger diameters have more power but are less precise.

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How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer?

Posted on May 11, 2013 by admin
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ultrasonic transducer

A ultrasonic transducer that performs well in one application will not always produce the
desired results in a different application. For example, sensitivity to small defects is
proportional to the product of the eﬃciency of the transducer as a transmitter and a receiver.
Resolution, the ability to locate defects near the surface or in close proximity in the material,
requires a highly damped ultrasonic transducer.

Choosing the right frequency/diameter for your testing

Different frequencies of sound allow measurement of different materials, so when selecting a

ultrasonic probe, the material type and therefore the frequency are the ﬁrst consideration.

The frequency noted on a ultrasonic probe is the central or center frequency and depends
primarily on the backing material. The central frequency will deﬁne the capabilities of a
ultrasonic probe. Lower frequencies (0.5MHz-2.25MHz) provide greater energy and
penetration in a material, while high frequency crystals (15.0MHz-25.0MHz) provide reduced
penetration but greater sensitivity to small discontinuities. High frequency ultrasonic probes,
when used with the proper instrumentation, can improve ﬂaw resolution and thickness
measurement capabilities dramatically.

Low frequency ultrasonic transducers have the highest power and can penetrate deeply into a
material. Low frequency transducers are best materials that absorb sound like plastics or
composites. A low frequency transducer increases the chance of getting a strong return echo
and a good quality measurement on these materials.

High frequency ultrasonic transducers are ideal for precision measurement because the pulse
they emit is highly focused, reducing the risk of return echos outside of the measurement area.
The high frequency and shorter wavelength also lends itself well to measuring thin materials.
A third advantage is that high frequency transducers reduce troublesome “surface noise” that
can be present on some metals such as aluminum or titanium and can cause measurement
error.

Larger diameter probes feature larger crystals which transmit and receive the sound wave. A
large crystal transmitter will produce a more powerful sound wave and a larger receiving
crystal will be more sensitive. As a result, larger ultrasonic transducers tend to have better
penetration characteristics than the smaller types. If this extended range is not required, the
smaller ultrasonic transducers can be placed more precisely and in hard to reach areas such as
narrow grooves in a material. Smaller diameter transducers also couple more easily to curved
surfaces so have applications in corrosion testing pipes and cylinders.