Wave-Based NDT Methods

Wave-based NDT methods allow for reliable and rapid evaluation of civil engineering infrastructure. These methods are particularly useful in long-range inspection; for example, in pipelines, where the wave-based NDT can provide data on hundreds of meters of piping in a matter of seconds.

In this course, students will learn about wave-based NDT methods, including ultrasonic inspection, acoustic emission, resonant frequency testing, and electromechanical impedance testing. The topics include piezoelectric effect, basic principles of various wave-based NDT methods, and their associated data acquisition.

The course also includes case studies so students can apply the knowledge to field inspection or monitoring of materials and structures.

Week 1:

• Introduction to Piezoelectricity
• Fundamentals of Piezoelectricity
• Piezoelectric Characterization
• Piezoelectric Transducer
• Types of Piezoelectric Transducers
• Example Piezoelectric Transducer Fabrication

Week 2:

• Basic Principles of Ultrasound
• Measurement Techniques of Ultrasonic Inspection
• Couplant Gel
• Signal Processing & Visualization
• Ultrasonic NDT in Concrete Testing

Week 3:

• Acoustic Emission Basic Principle
• AE Inspection Equipment
• AE Signal Features
• AE Inspection Applications

Week 4:

• Resonant Frequency Testing Principle
• RF Inspection Equipment
• Case Studies

Week 5:

• Electromechanical Impedance (EMI) Testing Methods
• EMI Spectrum
• EMI Data Processing
• EMI Applications
• EMI Case Study