Satoshi Horinouchi

Nonlinear ultrasonic imaging method for closed cracks using subtraction of responses at different external loads

To improve the selectivity of closed cracks for objects other than cracks in ultrasonic imaging, we propose an extension of a novel imaging method, namely, subharmonic phased array for crack evaluation (SPACE) as well as another approach using the subtraction of responses at different external loads. By applying external static or dynamic loads to closed cracks, the contact state in the cracks varies, resulting in an intensity change of responses at cracks. In contrast, objects other than cracks are independent of external load. Therefore, only cracks can be extracted by subtracting responses at different loads. In this study, we performed fundamental experiments on a closed fatigue crack formed in an aluminum alloy compact tension (CT) specimen using the proposed method. We examined the static load dependence of SPACE images and the dynamic load dependence of linear phased array (PA) images by simulating the external loads with a servohydraulic fatigue testing machine. By subtracting the images at different external loads, we show that this method is useful in extracting only the intensity change of responses related to closed cracks, while canceling the responses of objects other than cracks.

Enhancement of Selectivity in Nonlinear Ultrasonic Imaging of Closed Cracks Using Amplitude Difference Phased Array

Subharmonic waves realize a high selectivity for closed cracks. However, when a short-burst wave is used to achieve a high temporal resolution, not only closed cracks but also linear scatterers appear in the subharmonic image owing to leakage in frequency filtering. They are ghosts that degrade the selectivity for closed crack in the subharmonic image. Here, we propose an amplitude difference phased array (ADPA), where the ghosts are eliminated by subtracting a subharmonic image at a small input multiplied by the input amplitude ratio from that at a large input. We verified the ADPA method by a two-dimensional simulation based on the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method with damped double nodes (DDNs) for subharmonic imaging of closed cracks. Furthermore, the ADPA method was experimentally verified in a closed-crack specimen.

Evaluation of Closed Stress Corrosion Cracks in Ni-Based Alloy Weld Metal Using Subharmonic Phased Array

Closed stress corrosion cracks (SCCs) have been generated in Ni-based alloy weld metal in nuclear power plants. The ultrasonic inspection is difficult because of the crack closure. For the application of new inspection methods and training/educating of inspection engineers, realistic closed SCC specimens are required. However, there is no means for forming such SCC specimens in a reasonable amount of time. Here, we present a two-step method. The first step is to form an open SCC in chemical solution. The second step is to close the SCC by generating oxide films between the crack faces in high-temperature pressurized water (HTPW). To verify the crack closure, we used a closed-crack imaging apparatus, the subharmonic phased array for crack evaluation (SPACE). Consequently, we found that parts of the SCC after 1321 h immersion were closed in the HTPW. Thus, we verified the two-step method for forming realistic closed SCC specimens in a reasonable amount of time.

Ultrasonic imaging of stress corrosion crack formed in high temperature pressurized water using subharmonic phased array

Closed stress corrosion cracks (SCCs) have been generated in high temperature pressurized water in weld parts of important structure of atomic power plants. The depth of closed SCCs is often underestimated or overlooked, since the ultrasound is transparent through the closed cracks. This leads to catastrophic accidents. To solve this problem, we have developed a novel imaging method, namely, the subharmonic phased array for crack evaluation (SPACE), on the basis of subharmonic waves and a phased array algorithm. In this study, we formed an SCC in heat affected zone of weld part of austenitic stainless steel in high temperature pressurized water (280 deg C) to simulate those formed in actual atomic power plants. Then we imaged the SCC using SPACE with LN array transmitter. As a result, the subharmonic images visualized the crack tip which was deeper than in the fundamental images corresponding to linear phased-array image. Thus, we demonstrated that SPACE with LN array transmitter is useful in reducing the...

Formation and evaluation of closed stress corrosion cracks in Ni-based alloy weld metal for nuclear power plants

Closed stress corrosion cracks (SCCs) have been generated in nuclear power plants, resulting in the underestimation and nondetection. To solve this problem, we have developed closed-crack imaging method, the subharmonic phased array for crack evaluation (SPACE), on the basis of subharmonic waves and phased array technique. Here, after verifying the SPACE in a realistic SCC specimen, we present a two-step method for forming deep closed SCC for a reasonable amount of time. The SCC closure was verified by SPACE. This significantly contributes to the improvement of nondestructive evaluation methods and training/educating of inspection engineers.