Section 4: Calibration Methods

Content: Section 4: Calibration Methods

4.1: Calibration Methods
4.2: The Calibrations
4.2.1: Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC)
4.2.2: Finding the probe index
4.2.3: Checking the probe angle
4.2.4: Calibration of shear waves for range V1 Block
4.2.5: Dead Zone
4.2.7: Transfer Correction
4.2.8: Linearity Checks (Time Base/ Equipment Gain/ Vertical Gain)
4.2.9: TCG-Time Correction Gain
4.3: Curvature Correction
4.4: Calibration References & Standards
4.5: Questions & Answers
4.6: Video Time
4.1: Calibration Methods
Calibration refers to the act of evaluating and adjusting the precision and
accuracy of measurement equipment. In ultrasonic testing, several forms of
calibration must occur. First, the electronics of the equipment must be
calibrated to ensure that they are performing as designed. This operation is
usually performed by the equipment manufacturer and will not be discussed
further in this material. It is also usually necessary for the operator to perform
a "user calibration" of the equipment. This user calibration is necessary
because most ultrasonic equipment can be reconfigured for use in a large
variety of applications. The user must "calibrate" the system, which includes
the equipment settings, the transducer, and the test setup, to validate that the
desired level of (1) precision and (2) accuracy are achieved. The term
calibration standard is usually only used when an absolute value is measured
and in many cases, the standards are traceable back to standards at the
National Institute for Standards and Technology.
Calibrations
In ultrasonic testing, there is also a need for reference standards. Reference
standards are used to establish a general level of consistency in
measurements and to help interpret and quantify the information contained in
the received signal. Reference standards are used to validate that the
equipment and the setup provide similar results from one day to the next and
that similar results are produced by different systems. Reference standards
also help the inspector to estimate the size of flaws. In a pulse-echo type
setup, signal strength depends on both the size of the flaw and the distance
between the flaw and the transducer. The inspector can use a reference
standard with an artificially induced flaw of known size and at approximately
the same distance away for the transducer to produce a signal. By comparing
the signal from the reference standard to that received from the actual flaw,
the inspector can estimate the flaw size.
This section will discuss some of the more common calibration and reference
specimen that are used in ultrasonic inspection. Some of these specimens
are shown in the figure above. Be aware that there are other standards
available and that specially designed standards may be required for many
applications. The information provided here is intended to serve a general
introduction to the standards and not to be instruction on the proper use of the
standards.
Introduction to the Common Standards
Calibration and reference standards for ultrasonic testing come in many
shapes and sizes. The type of standard used is dependent on the NDE
application and the form and shape of the object being evaluated. The
material of the reference standard should be the same as the material being
inspected and the artificially induced flaw should closely resemble that of the
actual flaw. This second requirement is a major limitation of most standard
reference samples. Most use drilled holes and notches that do not closely
represent real flaws. In most cases the artificially induced defects in reference
standards are better reflectors of sound energy (due to their flatter and
smoother surfaces) and produce indications that are larger than those that a
similar sized flaw would produce. Producing more "realistic" defects is cost
prohibitive in most cases and, therefore, the inspector can only make an
estimate of the flaw size. Computer programs that allow the inspector to
create computer simulated models of the part and flaw may one day lessen
this limitation.
The IIW Type Calibration Block
The IIW Type Calibration Block
The IIW Type 2 Calibration Block
The IIW Type I Calibration Block
EN12223:1999 Calibration Block
The IIW Phase Array Calibration Block
The IIW Calibration Block
1st Check Index / Check Range
The IIW Calibration Block
2nd Check Angle
The IIW Calibration Block
2nd Check Angle
Find probe angle

Find Index/Range/Resolution
The IIW Phase Array Calibration Block
3rd Check Resolution
V2 Calibration Block
The IIW 2 Calibration Block
Check focal point
Check probe angle
Check range
Can not Check resolution
Calibration Blocks
Calibration Blocks- Area Amplitude Block
The standard shown in the above figure is commonly known in the US as an
IIW type reference block. IIW is an acronym for the International Institute of
Welding. It is referred to as an IIW "type" reference block because it was
patterned after the "true" IIW block but does not conform to IIW requirements
in IIS/IIW-23-59. "True" IIW blocks are only made out of steel (to be precise,
killed, open hearth or electric furnace, low-carbon steel in the normalized
condition with a grain size of McQuaid-Ehn #8) where IIW "type" blocks can
be commercially obtained in a selection of materials. The dimensions of "true"
IIW blocks are in metric units while IIW "type" blocks usually have English
units. IIW "type" blocks may also include additional calibration and references
features such as notches, circular groves, and scales that are not specified by
IIW. There are two full-sized and a mini versions of the IIW type blocks. The
Mini version is about one-half the size of the full-sized block and weighs only
about one-fourth as much. The IIW type US-1 block was derived the basic
"true" IIW block and is shown below in the figure on the left. The IIW type US-
2 block was developed for US Air Force application and is shown below in the
center. The Mini version is shown on the right.
IIW Blocks- US-1

IIW Type US-1

IIW Blocks- IIW Type US-2
IIW Blocks- IIW Type Mini
V1/5, A2 Block
IIW type blocks are used to calibrate instruments for both angle beam and
normal incident inspections. Some of their uses include setting metal-distance
and sensitivity settings, determining the sound exit point and refracted angle
of angle beam transducers, and evaluating depth resolution of normal beam
inspection setups. Instructions on using the IIW type blocks can be found in
the annex of American Society for Testing and Materials Standard E164,
Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Contact Examination of Weldments.

The Miniature Angle-Beam or ROMPAS Calibration Block

DSC Block, Mini block, Rompas Block are all mini blocks.

ROMPAS Calibration Block

AWS Shear Wave

Distance/Sensitivity
Calibration (DSC) Block
A block that closely resembles the miniature angle-beam block and is used in
a similar way is the DSC AWS Block. This block is used to determine the
beam exit point and refracted angle of angle-beam transducers and to
calibrate distance and set the sensitivity for both normal and angle beam
inspection setups. Instructions on using the DSC block can be found in the
annex of American Society for Testing and Materials Standard E164,
Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Contact Examination of Weldments.
A block that closely resembles the miniature angle-beam block and is used in
a similar way is the DSC AWS Block. This block is used to determine the
beam exit point and refracted angle of angle-beam transducers and to
calibrate distance and set the sensitivity for both normal and angle beam
inspection setups. Instructions on using the DSC block can be found in the
annex of American Society for Testing and Materials Standard E164,
Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Contact Examination of Weldments.
DSC AWS Block
Calibration Range Using DSC AWS Block

[Link]/embed/TEQ8Qrz4D-A
AWS Shear Wave Distance Calibration (DC) Block
AWS Shear Wave Distance Calibration (DC) Block
The DC AWS Block is a metal path distance and beam exit point calibration
standard that conforms to the requirements of the American Welding Society
(AWS) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials (AASHTO). Instructions on using the DC block can be found in the
annex of American Society for Testing and Materials Standard E164,
Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Contact Examination of Weldments.
AWS Resolution Calibration (RC) Block
The RC Block is used to determine the resolution of angle beam transducers
per the requirements of AWS and AASHTO. Engraved Index markers are
provided for 45, 60, and 70 degree refracted angle beams.
The RC Block is used to determine the resolution of angle beam transducers
per the requirements of AWS and AASHTO. Engraved Index markers are
provided for 45, 60, and 70 degree refracted angle beams.
30 FBH Resolution Reference Block

The 30 FBH resolution reference block is used to evaluate the near-surface

resolution and flaw size/depth sensitivity of a normal-beam setup. The block
contains number 3 (3/64"), 5 (5/64"), and 8 (8/64") ASTM flat bottom holes at
ten metal-distances ranging from 0.050 inch (1.27 mm) to 1.250 inch (31.75
mm).
Miniature Resolution Block

The miniature resolution block is used to evaluate the near-surface resolution

and sensitivity of a normal-beam setup It can be used to calibrate high-
resolution thickness gages over the range of 0.015 inches (0.381 mm) to
0.125 inches (3.175 mm).
Step and Tapered Calibration Wedges

Step and tapered calibration wedges come in a large variety of sizes and
configurations. Step wedges are typically manufactured with four or five steps
but custom wedge can be obtained with any number of steps. Tapered
wedges have a constant taper over the desired thickness range.
Distance/Sensitivity (DS) Block

The DS test block is a calibration standard used to check the horizontal

linearity and the dB accuracy per requirements of AWS and AASHTO.
Area Amplitude Blocks provide standards for discontinuities of different size
at the same depth

Distance Amplitude Blocks provide standards for discontinuities of same size

at the different depth
The ASTM basic set of Area/Distance Amplitude Blocks consists of ten, two
inches diameter blocks
The ASTM basic set of Area/Distance Amplitude Blocks consisits of ten, two
inches diameter blocks
Distance/Area-Amplitude Blocks
Distance/area amplitude correction blocks typically are purchased as a ten-
block set, as shown above. Aluminum sets are manufactured per the
requirements of ASTM E127 and steel sets per ASTM E428. Sets can also be
purchased in titanium. Each block contains a single flat-bottomed, plugged
hole. The hole sizes and metal path distances are as follows:

• 3/64" at 3"
• 5/64" at 1/8", 1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 11/2", 3", and 6"
• 8/64" at 3" and 6"

Sets are commonly sold in 4340 Vacuum melt Steel, 7075-T6 Aluminum, and
Type 304 Corrosion Resistant Steel. Aluminum blocks are fabricated per the
requirements of ASTM E127, Standard Practice for Fabricating and Checking
Aluminum Alloy Ultrasonic Standard Reference Blocks. Steel blocks are
fabricated per the requirements of ASTM E428, Standard Practice for
Fabrication and Control of Steel Reference Blocks Used in Ultrasonic
Inspection.
ASTM E 127
Area-Amplitude Blocks
Area-amplitude blocks are also usually purchased in an eight-block set and
look very similar to Distance/Area-Amplitude Blocks. However, area-
amplitude blocks have a constant 3-inch metal path distance and the hole
sizes are varied from 1/64" to 8/64" in 1/64" steps. The blocks are used to
determine the relationship between flaw size and signal amplitude by
comparing signal responses for the different sized holes. Sets are commonly
sold in 4340 Vacuum melt Steel, 7075-T6 Aluminum, and Type 304 Corrosion
Resistant Steel. Aluminum blocks are fabricated per the requirements of
ASTM E127, Standard Practice for Fabricating and Checking Aluminum Alloy
Ultrasonic Standard Reference Blocks. Steel blocks are fabricated per the
requirements of ASTM E428, Standard Practice for Fabrication and Control of
Steel Reference Blocks Used in Ultrasonic Inspection.
Distance-Amplitude #3, #5, #8 FBH Blocks
Distance-amplitude blocks also very similar to the distance/area-amplitude
blocks pictured above. Nineteen block sets with flat-bottom holes of a single
size and varying metal path distances are also commercially available. Sets
have either a #3 (3/64") FBH, a #5 (5/64") FBH, or a #8 (8/64") FBH. The
metal path distances are 1/16", 1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1-1/4",
1-3/4", 2-1/4", 2-3/4", 3-14", 3-3/4", 4-1/4", 4-3/4", 5-1/4", and 5-3/4". The
relationship between the metal path distance and the signal amplitude is
determined by comparing signals from same size flaws at different depth.
Sets are commonly sold in 4340 Vacuum melt Steel, 7075-T6 Aluminum, and
Type 304 Corrosion Resistant Steel. Aluminum blocks are fabricated per the
requirements of ASTM E127, Standard Practice for Fabricating and Checking
Aluminum Alloy Ultrasonic Standard Reference Blocks. Steel blocks are
fabricated per the requirements of ASTM E428, Standard Practice for
Fabrication and Control of Steel Reference Blocks Used in Ultrasonic
Inspection.
Key Words:
Distance Amplitude Blocks
DSC Distance sensitivity calibration
DC Distance calibration
SC Sensitivity calibration
AWS RC AWS Resolution Calibration.
Q56: On the area-amplitude ultrasonic standard test blocks, the flat-bottomed
holes in the blocks are:

A. All of the same diameter

B. Different in diameter, increasing by 1/64 inch increments from the
No. 1 block to the No. 8 block
C. Largest in the No. 1 block and smallest in the No. 8 block
D. Drilled to different depths from the front surface of the test block
Q: A primary purpose of a reference standard is:

A. To provide a guide for adjusting instrument controls to reveal

discontinuities that are considered harmful to the end use of the
product.
B. To give the technician a tool for determining exact discontinuity size
C. To provide assurance that all discontinuities smaller than a certain
specified reference reflector are capable of being directed by the test.
D. To provide a standard reflector which exactly simulates natural
discontinuities of a critical size.
4.2: The Calibrations
4.2.1: Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC)
Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC): Acoustic signals from the same
reflecting surface will have different amplitudes at different distances from the
transducer. Distance amplitude correction (DAC) provides a means of
establishing a graphic ‘reference level sensitivity’ as a function of sweep
distance on the A-scan display. The use of DAC allows signals reflected from
similar discontinuities to be evaluated where signal attenuation as a function
of depth has been correlated. Most often DAC will allow for loss in amplitude
over material depth (time), graphically on the A-scan display but can also be
done electronically by certain instruments. Because near field length and
beam spread vary according to transducer size and frequency, and materials
vary in attenuation and velocity, a DAC curve must be established for each
different situation. DAC may be employed in both longitudinal and shear
modes of operation as well as either contact or immersion inspection
techniques.
DAC Curve
[Link]
DAC- Distance Amplitude Correction
DAC- Distance Amplitude Correction
DGS- Distance Gain Size
A distance amplitude correction curve is constructed from the peak amplitude
responses from reflectors of equal area at different distances in the same
material. A-scan echoes are displayed at their non-electronically
compensated height and the peak amplitude of each signal is marked on the
flaw detector screen or, preferably, on a transparent plastic sheet attached to
the screen. Reference standards which incorporate side drilled holes (SDH),
flat bottom holes (FBH), or notches whereby the reflectors are located at
varying depths are commonly used. It is important to recognize that
regardless of the type of reflector used, the size and shape of the reflector
must be constant. Commercially available reference standards for
constructing DAC include ASTM Distance/Area Amplitude and ASTM E1158
Distance Amplitude blocks, NAVSHIPS Test block, and ASME Basic
Calibration Blocks.
The following applet shows a test block with a side drilled hole. The
transducer was chosen so that the signal in the shortest pulse-echo path is in
the far-field. The transducer may be moved finding signals at depth ratios of 1,
3, 5, and 7. Red points are "drawn" at the peaks of the signals and are used
to form the distance amplitude correction curve drawn in blue. Start by
pressing the green "Test now!" button. After determining the amplitudes for
various path lengths (4), press "Draw DAC" and then press the green "Test
now!" button.
 DAC Java

[Link]
Developing a Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC) Curve

Distance Amplitude Correction (DAC) provides a means of establishing a

graphic ‘reference level sensitivity’ as a function of sweep distance on the A-
scan display. The use of DAC allows signals reflected from similar
discontinuities to be evaluated where signal attenuation as a function of depth
may be correlated. In establishing the DAC curve, all A-scan echoes are
displayed at their non-electronically compensated height.

Construction of a DAC involves the use of reference standards which

incorporate side drilled holes (SDH), flat bottom holes (FBH), or notches
whereby the reflectors are located at varying depths. It is important to
recognize regardless of the type of reflector that is used in constructing the
DAC, the size and shape of the reflector must be constant over the sound
path distance. Commercially available reference standards for constructing
DAC include ASTM Distance/Area Amplitude and ASTM E1158 Distance
Amplitude blocks, NAVSHIPS Test block, and ASME Basic Calibration
Blocks.
Sequence for constructing a DAC curve when performing a straight
beam contact inspection on 1 ¾” thick material.

1.) Using a suitable reference standard, calibrate the sweep for a distance
appropriate for the material to be inspected, i.e.. using a 1” thick standard,
calibrate the sweep for 2” of material travel.
Back Wall Echo
Back Wall Echo

Sweep 2” / Distance 1”
2.) This example represents the use a 1 3/4” thick reference standard with
1/8” side drilled holes located at 1/4 T and 3/4 T respectively. ‘T’ being equal
to the block thickness.
3.) Position the transducer over the 1/4T hole and peak the signal to
approximately 80% FSH (Full screen height), mark the peak of the echo on
the display using a suitable marker, and record the gain setting.
4.) With no further adjustments to the gain control, position the transducer
over the 3/4T hole and peak the signal, mark the peak of the echo on the
display.
5.) To complete the DAC curve connect the dots with a smooth line. The
completed curve represents the ‘reference level sensitivity’ for this application.
Plotting DAC Curve
DAC Curve
DAC Curve
Gain Control for FSH: It should be remember that the dB is a means of
comparing signals. All UT sets are different and a FSH with a gain controls of
36dB in one UT set and be at FSH at another UT set with a gain control
reading of 26dB.

The gain controls allow us to set sensitivity and form the basis of Ultrasonic
Sizing Techniques.
Birring NDT Series, Ultrasonic Distance Amplitude Correction - DAC

[Link]/embed/qUqaF0PnLGA?list=UUZncq6JFram3pfQDlzGggwA
Alta Vista UT Calibration DAC Curve

[Link]/embed/VNgMKlp43I8
4.2.2: Finding the probe index
Exit Point
A2 Block
Exit Point- A5 Block
Q16: Notches are frequently used as a reference reflector for:
A. Distance amplitude calibration for shear wave
B. Area amplitude calibration
C. Thickness calibration for plate
D. Determining the near-surface resolution
5.2.3: Checking the probe angle
Probe Angles- A2 Block
Probe Angles- A5 Block
4.2.4: Calibration of shear waves for range V1 Block
Calibration of shear waves for range V1 Block
1st Echo from circular Section
Echo from 100mm circular Section
Calibration of shear waves for range V1 Block

Test block 1 for calibrating the

time base (depth scale) of a flaw
detector for vertical probes
(longitudinal waves) for angle
probes (transverse waves), for
determining the probe index and
beam angle of angle probes, and
for checking the short term
consistency of the sensitivity of
vertical probes
Calibration of shear waves for range V2 Block
25 mm radius from V2 Block
50 mm radius from V2 Block
100 mm radius from K2 Block
Calibration of shear waves for range V2 Block
Shear Wave Distance Calibration IIW Block & DSC Blocks

[Link]/embed/RmtHmtOozic
Exit Point /Range/Probe Angle calibration using IIW Block (Repeat-Code1)

[Link]/embed/Qr0dGNuq9yY
4.2.5: Dead Zone
Determine the dead zone by finding the hole echo which is easily
identifiable from the probe noise at the shortest range
Dead Zone

Determine the dead zone by

finding the hole echo which is
easily identifiable from the probe
noise at the shortest range
4.2.6: 20 dB Profile- A5 Block
20 dB Profile
Probe Beam Line of Symmetry
20 dB Profile
Probe Beam Sound Pressure
4.2.7: Transfer Correction
Methods of compensating for transfer and attenuation loss differences for
0attenuation 000compression probes and for shear wave compression
probes. These are based on obtaining similar echo responses on both the
calibration block and on the component.

For 0degree probes backwall echoes are used to probes establish transfer
and attenuation correction.

For shear wave probes two identical probes are used in “pitch-catch” in
order to obtain what are effectively backwall echoes.

either method cannot be used if the either component does not have a
convenient parallel section.
Example:
0 degree Probe Calibration
40mm thick block – Gain to achieve FSH
Example:
0 degree Probe Calibration
30mm thick block – Gain to achieve FSH
TRANSFER & ATTENUATION CORRECTION:
0 degree Probes

If the results are plotted on

log -linear paper they will
form straight parallel lines
provided that there is no
attenuation difference if an
attenuation difference
occurs then the resultant
lines will no longer be
parallel.
Transfer and Attenuation Correction: Shear Probe
The principle for obtaining transfer correction for shear wave probes is the
same as it was for compression probes except that backwall echoes are
replaced by pitch --catch responses.
4.2.8: Linearity Checks (Time Base / Equipment Gain / Vertical Gain)
[Link]: Linearity of time base
General
This check may be carried out using a standard calibration block eg A2,
and a compressional wave probe. The linearity should be checked over a
range at least equal to that which is to be used in subsequent testing.

Method
a) Place the probe on the 25mm thickness of the A2 block and adjust the
controls to display ten BWEs.
b) Adjust the controls so that the first and last BWEs coincide with the scale
marks at 1 and 10.
c) Increase the gain to bring successive backwall echoes to 80% FSH. The
leading edge of each echo should line up with the appropriate reticules
line.
d) Record any deviations at approximately half screen height. Deviations
should be expressed as a percentage of the range between the first and
last echoes displayed (ie 225mm).
Tolerance
Unless otherwise specified by the testing standard, a tolerance of ±2% is
considered acceptable.
Frequency of checking
This check shall be carried out at least once per week.
Ultrasonic Testing - Horizontal Linearity (Calibration)

[Link]/embed/NuS6j0SmjKQ
[Link]: Linearity of Equipment Gains
General
This is a check on both the linearity of the amplifier within the set and the
calibrated gain control. It can be carried out on any calibration block
containing a side-drilled hole and should be the probe to be used in
subsequent testing. Reject/suppression controls shall be switched off.

Method
 Position the probe on a calibration block to obtain a reflected signal from a
small reflector eg 1.5mm hole in the A2 block.
 Adjust the gain to set this signal to 80% FSH and note the gain setting (dB).
- Increase the gain by 2dB and record the amplitude of the signal.
- Remove the 2dB and return the signal to 80% FSH.
- Reduce the gain by 6dB and record signal amplitude.
- Reduce the gain by a further 12dB (18 intotal) and record signal amplitude.
- Reduce the gain by a further 6dB (24 in total) and record signal amplitude.
Tolerance

Frequency of checking
The check shall be carried out at least once per week.
[Link]-1: Linearity of vertical display to EN12668-1
Procedure: Test the ultrasonic instrument screen linearity by altering the
amplitude of a reference input using an external calibrated attenuator and
observing the change in the signal height on the ultrasonic instrument
screen. Report the gain setting at the beginning of the test. Check the
linearity at prescribed intervals from 0 dB to - 26 dB of full screen height.
Repeat the test for centre frequencies for of each filter as measured in 9.5.2.

Using the same set-up shown in Figure 6 set the external calibrated attenuator
to 2 dB and adjust the input signal and the gain of the ultrasonic instrument
so the signal is 80 % of full screen height. Without changing the gain of the
ultrasonic instrument switch the external calibrated attenuator to the values
given in the Table 4. For each setting measure the amplitude of the signal on
the ultrasonic instrument screen.
Extract from: BS EN 12668-1:2010 Non-destructive testing- Characterization and verification of ultrasonic examination equipment
Part 1: Instruments
Figure 6 — General purpose set-up for equipment
[Link]-2: Linearity of vertical display to ASTM E317-01
Vertical Limit and Linearity:
Significance—Vertical limit and linearity have significance when echo signal
amplitudes are to be determined from the display screen or corresponding
output signals, and are to be used for evaluation of discontinuities or
acceptance criteria. A specified minimum trace deflection and linearity limit
may
be required to achieve the desired amplitude accuracy. For other situations they
may not be important, for example, go/no-go examinations with flaw alarms
or evaluation by comparison with a reference level using calibrated gain
controls.
This practice describes both the two-signal ratio technique (Method A) and the
input/output attenuator technique (Method B).
Extract from: ASTM E317-01 Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Examination
Instruments and Systems without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments

Note: Method A: two-signal ratio technique collecting 2 signal from the

reflectors of same size at different depth.
Method A:
[Link] Apparatus—A test block is required that produces two non interfering
signals having an amplitude ratio of 2 to 1. These are compared over the
usable screen height as the instrument gain is changed. The two amplitudes
will be referred to as HA and HB (HA > HB). The two signals may occur in
either screen order and do not have to be successive if part of a multiple-
echo pattern. Unless otherwise specified in the requesting document, any
test block that will produce such signals at the nominal test settings specified
can be used. For many commonly used search units and test conditions, the
test block shown in Fig. 1 will usually be satisfactory when the beam is
directed along the H dimension toward the two holes. The method is
applicable to either contact or immersion tests; however, if a choice exists,
the latter may be preferable for ease of set-up and coupling
stability……(more…)
4.2.9: Time Correction Gain (TCG)

Please read:
[Link]
Q61: The vertical linear range of a test instrument may be determined by
obtaining ultrasonic responses from:
A. a set of distance amplitude blocks
B. steel ball located at several different water path distances
C. a set of area amplitude blocks
D. all of the above
Q29: Test sensitivity correction for a metal distance and discontinuity area
responses are accomplished by using:
A. An area amplitude set of blocks
B. An area amplitude and a distance amplitude set of blocks
C. A distance amplitude set of blocks
D. Steel balls of varying diameters.
4.3: Curvature Correction
Curvature in the surface of a component will
have an effect on the shape of the ultrasonic
beam. The image to the right shows the beam
from a focused immersion probe being
projected on to the surface of a
component. Lighter colors represent areas of
greater beam intensity. It can be seen that
concave surfaces work to focus the beam and
convex surfaces work to defocus the
beam. Similar effects are also seen with
contact transducers. When using the
amplitude of the ultrasonic signal to size flaws
or for another purpose, it is necessary to
correct for surface curvature when it is
encountered. The "correction" value is the
change in amplitude needed to bring signals
from a curved surface measurement to the flat
surface or DAC value.
Convex surfaces work to defocus the beam

Diverge if the surface is convex.

Concave surface contour-

Focusing effects
Concave surfaces work to focus the beam

Diverge if the surface is convex.

Concave surface contour-

Focusing effects
convex surfaces work to defocus the beam
Convex surfaces work to defocus the beam
Convex surfaces work to defocus the beam- When sound travels from a
liquid through a metal, it will converge if the surface is concave or diverge if
the surface is convex.
Q: In an immersion method, the incident sound path enter the specimen
interface with convex geometry, the sound path on entry into the specimen,
the convex surface works to

a) De-focus the sound

b) Focus the sound
c) Has no effect on the focusing or de-focusing the sound
d) Reflected totally all the incident sound.
Q: In transmitting sound energy into a part shown below in a immersion
testing, the sound beam will be:
a) Diverge
b) Converge
c) Straight into
d) Will not enter
A curvature correction curve can be generated experimentally in a manner
similar to that used to generate a DAC curve, This simply requires a
component with a representative reflector at various distances below the
curved surface. Since any change in the radius will change the focus of the
sound beam, it may be necessary to develop reference standards with a
range of surface curvatures.

However, computer modeling can also be used to generate a close

approximation of the curvature correction value. Work by Ying and Baudry
(ASME 62-WA175, 1962) and by Birchak and Serabian (Mat. Eval. 36(1),
1978) derived methods for determining "correction factors" to account for
change in signal amplitude as a function of the radius of curvature of convex,
cylindrical components.

An alternative model for contact and immersion probe inspection was more
recently by researchers at the Center for NDE at Iowa State University. This
mathematical model further predicts transducer radiation patterns using the
Gauss-Hermite model, which has been used extensively for simulation of
immersion mode inspections.
The resulting model allows computationally efficient prediction of the full
ultrasonic fields in the component for

1. any frequency, including broadband measurements.

2. both circular and rectangular crystal shapes.
3. general component surface curvature
4. both normal and oblique incidence (e.g., angle beam wedges) transducers.

When coupled with analytical models for defect scattering amplitudes, the
model can be used to predict actual flaw waveforms. The image shown
above was generated with this model.
The plot to the right shows an example curvature correction curve and DAC
curve. This curvature correction curve was generated for the application of
detecting a #4 flat bottom hole under a curved surface as shown in the
sketch and photograph. An immersion techniques was used generate a
shear wave since the reflective surface of the target flaw was not parallel with
the surface. The DAC curve drops monotonically since the water path
ensures that the near field of the sound beam is always outside the part. The
correction factor starts out negative because of the focusing effect of the
curved surface. At greater depths, the correction factor is positive due to the
increased beam spread beyond the focal zone caused by the surface
curvature.
Curvature Corrections
 A table of correction values and the DAC and curvature correction curves for
different size radiuses can be found at the following link.

[Link]
Curvature Correction
Curvature Correction
4.4: Calibration References & Standards
What are standards?
Standards are documented agreements containing technical specifications or
other precise criteria to be used consistently as rules, guidelines, or
definitions of characteristics, in order to ensure that materials, products,
processes, and services are fit for their purpose.
For example, the format of the credit cards, phone cards, and "smart" cards
that have become commonplace is derived from an ISO International
Standard. Adhering to the standard, which defines such features as an
optimal thickness (0.76 mm), means that the cards can be used worldwide.
An important source of practice codes, standards, and recommendations for
NDT is given in the

Annual Book of the American Society of Testing and Materials,

ASTM. Volume 03.03, Nondestructive Testing

is revised annually, covering acoustic emission, eddy current, leak testing,

liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, radiography, thermography, and
ultrasonics.

There are many efforts on the part of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) and other standards organizations, both national and
international, to work through technical issues and harmonize national and
international standards.
Reference Reflectors:
are used as a basis for establishing system performance and sensitivity.
Spherical reflectors are often used in immersion techniques for assessing
sound fields.

1. Omni direction
2. Sphere directivity patterns reduce reflectance as compare with plane
reflector
3. Sphere of any materials could be used, however steel balls are often
preferred.
Reference Reflectors are used as a basis for establishing system
performance and sensitivity.
4.5: Questions & Answers
Exercises
Q80: The 50 mm diameter hole in an IIW block is used to:
(a) Determine the beam index point
(b) Check resolution
(c) Calibrate angle beam distance
(d) Check beam angle

Q81: The 100 mm radius in an IIW block is used to:

(a) Calibrate sensitivity level
(b) Check resolution
(c) Calibrate angle beam distance
(d) Check beam angle
Q6: The Notches are frequently used for reference reflectors for:
A. Distance amplitude calibration for shear wave
B. Area amplitude calibration
C. Thickness calibration of plate
D. Determine of near surface resolution

Q17: Notches provide good reference discontinuities when UT examination is

conducted to primarily detect defects such as:
A. Porosity in rolled plate
B. Inadequate penetration at the root of weld
C. Weld porosity
D. Internal inclusion
 4.6: Video Time

[Link]
Birring NDT Series, UT of Welds Part 1 of 2 - CALIBRATION

[Link]
Birring NDT Series, Ultrasonic Testing # 4, Angle Beam Shear Wave UT as
per AWS D1.1

[Link]/embed/vXcAI-Zci30