The article reviews some of the basic principle of FMC/TFM data acquisition and imaging processes and compares them to standard phased array techniques. An introduction to the most important American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is also provided. Introduction In theory, the advanced ultrasonic testing technique Full Matrix Capture / Total Focusing Method (FMC/TFM) should offer improved inspection performance compared to Phased Ar

Introduction Aerospace components draw from a broad range of materials and geometries and typically require advanced nondestructive testing techniques to inspect the various aluminum, composite and other advanced material components. Additionally, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) non-destructive testing oversight is very structured and does not necessary transfer or complement NDT personnel and procedures established in other industries like oil and gas, civil, and con

Ultrasonic testing of steel and aluminum U.S. DOT cylinders is required to recertify the cylinders every 5 or 10 years depending on the cylinder type. Ultrasonic testing of DOT cylinders is currently performed with automated ultrasonic testing systems that uses wheel probes, squirter systems, or water jet systems. The ultrasonic immersion systems are configured with two circumferential shear wave channel, two axial shear wave channels, and one longitudinal straight beam prob

Aluminum Sensitization and Non-destructive Testing Aluminum alloy ship hulls are utilized on many commercial and military ship platforms. Over their lifetime, they often require non-destructive and destructive testing. Among the common hulls that require such examination include CG 47 Class Cruisers, Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) – both Freedom and Independence variants – as well as Amphibious Assault Ships, Expeditionary Fast Transport, Landing Craft Air Cushions, Ship-to

Introduction Non-destructive testing (NDT) of welds with phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) and more recently the total focusing method / full matrix capture (TFM/FMC) are two excellent techniques to detect, locate and size weld defects. Compared to ultrasonic weld testing, PAUT provides more efficient volumetric testing, increases weld defect probability of detection (POD), and should improve flaw sizing given the same NDT inspector skill level. The Total Focusing Method