ASTM E3370-23 PDF

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The procedures described in this practice have proven utility in the inspecting (1) monolithic polymer matrix composites (laminates) for bulk defects, (2) metals for corrosion during the service life of the part of interest, (3) thickness checks, (4) adhesive bonding of metals, composites, and sandwich core constructions, (5) coatings, and (6) composite filament windings. Both unpressurized, and with suitable precautions, pressurized materials and components are inspected. 5.2 This practice provides guidelines for the application of longitudinal wave examination to the detection and quantitative evaluation of damage, discontinuities, and thickness variations in materials. 5.3 This practice is intended primarily for the testing of parts to acceptance criteria most typically specified in a purchase order or other contractual document, and for testing of parts in-service to detect and evaluate damage. 5.4 MAUT search units provide near-surface resolution and detection of small discontinuities comparable to phased array transducers. They may or may not be capable of beam steering. The advantage of MAUT for straight-beam longitudinal wave inspections is the ability to provide real-time C-scan data, which facilitates data interpretation and shortens inspection time. Depending on inspection needs, data can be displayed as A-, B- or C-scans, or three-dimensional renderings. Toggling between pulse-echo and through transmission ultrasonic (TTU) modes without having to use another system or changing transducers is also possible. 5.5 The MAUT technique has proven utility in the inspection of multi-ply carbon-fiber reinforced laminates used in primary aircraft structures.11 5.6 For ultrasonic testing of laminate composites and sandwich core materials using conventional UT equipment consult Practice E2580. Consult Practice E114 for ultrasonic testing of materials by the pulse-echo method using straightbeam longitudinal waves introduced by a piezoelectric elemen... SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers procedures for matrix array ultrasonic testing (MAUT) of monolithic composites, composite sandwich constructions, and metallic test articles. These procedures can be used throughout the life cycle of a part during product and process design optimization, on line process control, post-manufacturing inspection, and in-service inspection. 1.2 In general, ultrasonic testing is a common volumetric method for detection of embedded or subsurface discontinuities. This practice includes general requirements and procedures which may be used for detecting flaws and for making a relative or approximate evaluation of the size of discontinuities and part anomalies. The types of flaws or discontinuities detected include interply delaminations, foreign object debris (FOD), inclusions, disbond/un-bond, fiber debonding, fiber fracture, porosity, voids, impact damage, thickness variation, and corrosion. 1.3 Typical test articles include monolithic composite layups such as uniaxial, cross ply and angle ply laminates, sandwich constructions, bonded structures, and filament windings, as well as forged, wrought and cast metallic parts. Two techniques can be considered based on accessibility of the inspection surface: namely, pulse echo inspection for one-sided access and through-transmission for two-sided access. As used in this practice, both require the use of a pulsed straight-beam ultrasonic longitudinal wave followed by observing indications of either the reflected (pulse-echo) or received (through transmission) wave. 1.4 This practice provides two ultrasonic test procedures. Each has its own merits and requirements for inspection and shall be selected as agreed upon in a contractual document. 1.4.1 Test Procedure A, Pulse Echo (non-contacting and contacting) is at a minimum a single matrix array transducer transmitting and receiving longitudinal waves in the range of 0.5 MHz to 20 MHz (see Fig. 1). Th...