Improve Spatial Resolutions of Ultrasonic Phased-Array Inspection Using SAFT.

Ultrasonic Synthetic Aperture Focusing Technique (SAFT) reconstruction method is developed to provide high-resolution images of the inspected areas and volumes. The basic idea of the method is to coherently superimpose multiple A-scan measurements, incorporating the phase information of the sampling points. The method involves two major steps: data mapping according to time-of-flight (ToF), and local normalizing. Data mapping refers to the process of mapping each of the sampling points to a three-dimensional grid that represents the geometry model of the object being inspected. The value for each cell of the grid is a summation of all sampling points mapped into the cell. Local normalizing refers to normalizing a selected region of interest (ROI) for defect visualization and quantification. Lab experiments are performed using a 10MHz phased array ultrasonic probe to collect data from a cylinder material block. The method is used to process the experimental data. Using the developed method, spatial resolution of inspection is significantly improved comparing with traditional reconstruction methods. Results indicate that four closely spaced 0.794mm-diameter flat-bottomed holes are clearly identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]