The pulse-echo method in ultrasonic testing is primarily utilized for:

The pulse-echo method in ultrasonic testing is a versatile technique that can effectively serve multiple purposes in the evaluation of materials. This approach utilizes high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted into a material and then reflected back from any boundaries or discontinuities within that material, allowing for a range of assessments.

For material thickness measurement, the pulse-echo method determines how long it takes for the sound wave to travel down to a back surface and return. By knowing the sound speed in the material and measuring the time interval, the thickness can be accurately calculated.

Regarding identifying surface defects, while the primary method of detection involves internal features, the pulse-echo technique can also help in recognizing issues that may affect the surface layer of a material, as surface and internal defects can affect how the sound wave reflects.

When it comes to finding hidden discontinuities, the pulse-echo method excels at detecting flaws located below the surface, such as cracks, voids, or inclusions. These discontinuities can distort the transmitted sound waves and alter the echo readings, which can be analyzed for diagnostic purposes.

Therefore, this method is comprehensive and covers all these aspects – measuring thickness, identifying surface defects, and detecting hidden discontinuities – making it clear why the answer encompasses all of these