How is ultrasonic testing data interpreted to identify defects?

Ultrasonic testing (UT) data interpretation focuses on analyzing the behavior of sound waves as they travel through a material. When ultrasonic waves are transmitted into a material, they reflect off boundaries, such as defects or interfaces. The interpretation of this data primarily involves assessing the signal amplitude and timing.

The amplitude of the signal reflects the intensity of the sound wave returning from the material, which can indicate the size or nature of a defect. A larger amplitude typically suggests a significant reflection, which might correlate to a defect, whereas a lower amplitude may indicate that there are no substantial features within the material. Furthermore, the timing of the signal (or the time it takes for the sound wave to return) allows the technician to determine the distance to the defect, as sound waves travel at known speeds through specific materials. By combining this analysis of both amplitude and timing, technicians can effectively pinpoint the presence, size, and location of defects within the tested material.