Transduction

TRANSDUCTION & SENSING

We use multiple sensor technologies to make useful measurements on industrial parts and processes.

Our NDT capability includes ultrasonic transducers, phased array, laser ultrasound, electromagnetic and visual.

Our Metrology capability includes 3D photogrammetry tracking, vision systems and laser tracking.

ULTRASONIC PHASED ARRAY SENSORS

Ultrasonic phased array technology enables sophisticated volumetric imaging to be achieved (here showing sector scanning in a sample component with known defects).

Phased array

HIGH TEMPERATURE WHEEL PROBE ULTRASONIC ARRAYS

The figure shows a wheel probe deployment of a phased array transducer for high temperature measurements in welding applications.

Phased Array Wheel Probe

ULTASONIC TRANSDUCERS

As part of the Centre for Ultrasonic Engineering, a core capability is the design, prototyping and testing of new ultrasonic transducers.

Here a custom ultrasonic transducer launches acoustic guided waves into a weld seam.

Transducer Technology

LASER ULTRASONICS

Laser beams can be used to both generate and detect ultrasonic waves in a wide range of materials.

Lasers offer a unique ultrasonic measurement capability, operating fully non-contact and at large stand-off distances.

The figure shows a Laser Induced Phased Array (LIPA) detecting defects in an additive manufactured sample

LIPA for defect detection

EDDY CURRENT SENSING

Eddy current sensing can increase sensitivity to matrix, surface and BVID cracks through automated delivery of electromagnetic NDT techniques.

Eddy current sensing removes the need for liquid coupling on the surface which can create contamination, degrade the sample, and provide variable inspection results.

Eddy current sensing can Increase inspection speed through automation and instantaneous electromagnetic impedance change measurements replacing the longer transmit/receive scenario in UT, and exposure time for thermography and X-ray

Eddy Current Testing

CAPACITIVE SENSING

Capacitive sensing typically has a low penetration depth, and unparalleled sensitivity on surface/near surface.

Capacitive Sensing

3D METROLOGY

Accurately locating where a sensor measurement is made on a structure is essential for the measurement to be useful.

Our team uses state of the art metrology including laser trackers and photogrammetry tracking systems for full 6DOF (degree of freedom) measurement capability.

Motion Tracking

VISION BASED SENSING

Using cameras and machine vision allows surface defects to be identified on structures, and surface geometry to be reconstructed.

Here we see a wind turbine blade surface geometry measured using a UAV mounted camera system to capture surface data and compared with a reference model.

Image stitching

SEARCH is based at The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow

Transduction

Deployment

Interpretation

Asset Inspection
In-process NDE
Manufacturing