How does humidity impact Ultrasonic Testing?

Humidity can significantly impact ultrasonic testing by distorting signal quality and detection accuracy. When humidity levels are high, moisture in the air can affect the acoustic impedance of the materials being tested and introduce variability in the propagation of sound waves. This can lead to attenuation of the signal and potential scattering. If the sound waves are scattered or absorbed due to humidity, it can result in reduced signal strength and an increased likelihood of misinterpretation of the test results. Consequently, professionals performing ultrasonic testing need to be aware of environmental conditions, including humidity, to ensure accurate readings and reliable defect detection.