In what scenario would you use a contact transducer?

Using a contact transducer is suitable in scenarios where direct contact with the test material is both possible and practical. Contact transducers are designed to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves directly through a medium, which is most effective when they are in direct contact with the test specimen.

In applications where the materials being tested are relatively uniform, and there is no contamination between the transducer and the material surface, a contact transducer can provide highly accurate and sensitive results. The close proximity helps ensure efficient energy transfer, which is crucial for obtaining reliable measurement data.

This approach is commonly employed in various industries, such as metal fabrication, welding, and related fields, where it is important to assess material thickness, detect flaws, or measure other properties without causing damage to the material itself. Each of the alternatives presented does not provide a suitable context for the use of a contact transducer, as they involve either non-contact methods or situations where direct contact is not achievable or practical.