Search results for "Phased Array"
showing 10 items of 31 documents
Design and evaluation of a 32-channel phased-array coil for lung imaging with hyperpolarized 3-helium
2010
Imaging with hyperpolarized 3-helium is becoming an increasingly important technique for MRI diagnostics of the lung but is hampered by long breath holds (>20 sec), which are not always applicable in patients with severe lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or α-1-anti-trypsin deficiency. Additionally, oxygen-induced depolarization decay during the long breath holds complicates interpretation of functional data such as apparent diffusion coefficients. To address these issues, we describe and validate a 1.5-T, 32-channel array coil for accelerated 3He lung imaging and demonstrate its ability to speed up imaging 3He. A signal-to-noise ratio increase of up to a factor…
Detection, characterization and sizing of hydrogen induced cracking in pressure vessels using phased array ultrasonic data processing
2016
Abstract Pressure vessels operating in sour service conditions in refinery environments can be subject to the risk of H₂S cracking resulting from the hydrogen entering into the material. This risk, which is related to the specific working conditions and to the quality of the steel used, shall be properly managed in order to maintain the highest safety at a cost-effective level. Nowadays the typical management strategy is based on a risk based inspection (RBI) evaluation to define the inspection plan used in conjunction with a fitness for service (FFS) approach in defining if the vessel, although presenting dangerous defects such as cracks, can still be considered “fit for purpose” for a giv…
PAUT inspection of complex-shaped composite materials through six DOFs robotic manipulators
2015
The requirement to increase inspection speeds for the non-destructive testing (NDT) of composite aerospace parts is common to many manufacturers. The prevalence of complex curved surfaces in the industry provides significant motivation for the use of six-axis robots for the deployment of NDT probes in these inspections. The IntACom project, developed by TWI Technology Centre (Wales) and supported by a number of major aerospace partners and the Welsh government, has produced a prototype robotic NDT system. The prototype system is capable of inspecting complex-geometry composite components with great time savings. Two six-axis robotic arms deploy end effectors carrying phased array ultrasonic…
Obstructing propagation of interfering modes improves detection of guided waves in coated bone models
2014
Interference due to wave propagation in soft tissue that covers the bone is a major challenge to in vivo assessment of the fundamental flexural guided wave (FFGW) in bone. To improve signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) we propose to obstruct the propagation of interfering modes by locally deforming the coating by external mechanical compression. This approach was modeled by 2D finite-element transient domain (FEMTD) simulations in a fluid-coated (7 mm) solid plate (3 mm). The fluid layer mimics the soft tissue that covers the bone. A single emitter or a 6-element phased array excited ultrasound pulses at 50 kHz on the surface of the coating, and a receiver array was placed on the surface, 20…
Pushing the Limit – MRI of the Lung Using Hyperpolarized 3-Helium in Conjunction with Parallel Imaging
2009
Imaging of the lung with hyperpolarized 3He became a well known technique in the last decade. Being able to image ventilation and the microstructure of the lung an increase of SNR and a shortage of scan time is eligible. By using a 32-channel phased array the sensitivity was increased dramatically. High resolution 2D-images with a resolution of 1 × 1 mm2 having a 3 mm slice was realized, showing highly detailed images of the lung. By applying parallel imaging techniques the SNR could be increased and scan time was reduced drastically by using a 2D acceleration of R = 4 × 2 with a 3D-protocol covering the whole lung.
Determination of Bubble Size Distribution Using Ultrasound Array Imaging
2020
In this article, ultrasonic phased arrays are deployed as an imaging tool for industrial process analysis. Such arrays are typically used for sonar, medical diagnosis, and nondestructive testing; however, they have not yet been applied to industrial process analysis. The precise positioning of array elements and high frequencies possible with this technology mean that highly focused images can be generated, which cannot currently be achieved using ultrasound tomography. This article aims to highlight the potential of this technology for the measurement of bubble size distribution (BSD) and to demonstrate its application to both intrusive and noninvasive process measurements. Ultrasound imag…
Intentional weld defect process: From manufacturing by robotic welding machine to inspection using TFM phased array
2019
Specimens with intentionally embedded weld defects or flaws can be employed for training, development and research into procedures for mechanical property evaluation and structural integrity assessment. It is critical that the artificial defects are a realistic representation of the flaws produced by welding. Cylindrical holes, which are usually machined after welding, are not realistic enough for our purposes as it is known that they are easier to detect than the naturally occurring imperfections and cracks. Furthermore, it is usually impractical to machine a defect in a location similar to where the real weld defects are found. For example, electro-discharge machining can prod…
In-process calibration of a non-destructive testing system used for in-process inspection of multi-pass welding
2020
Abstract In multi-pass welding, there is increasing motivation to move towards in-process defect detection to enable real-time repair; thus avoiding deposition of more layers over a defective weld pass. All defect detection techniques require a consistent and repeatable approach to calibration to ensure that measured defect sizing is accurate. Conventional approaches to calibration employ fixed test blocks with known defect sizes, however, this methodology can lead to incorrect sizing when considering complex geometries, materials with challenging microstructure, and the significant thermal gradients present in materials during the inter-pass inspection period. To circumvent these challenge…
Chirped fibre Bragg gratings for phased-array antennas
1997
A variable delay line for phased-array antennas based on a chirped fibre Bragg grating is demonstrated. The time delay of a microwave modulating signal is modified by scanning in wavelength a chirped grating. In this initial experiment, time delay variations up to 556 ps have been achieved using a grating of 0.4 nm bandwidth and 6 cm length and modulating in the frequency range 390 MHz-5.20 GHz.
Ultrasonic phased array inspection of wire plus arc additive manufacture samples using conventional and total focusing method imaging approaches
2019
In this study, three aluminium samples produced by wire + arc additive manufacture (WAAM) are inspected using ultrasonic phased array technology. Artificial defects are machined using a centre drill, ø 3 mm, and electrical discharge machining (EDM), ø 0.5-1 mm, in a cylindrical through-hole topology. The samples are first inspected using a single-element wheel probe mounted on a KUKA robot in order to investigate the feasibility of using a conventional ultrasonic transducer approach. Unfortunately, the wheel probe is found to be unsuitable for scanning the WAAM specimens and ultrasonic phased arrays are employed next. The set-up includes 5 MHz and 10 MHz arrays (128 elements) in direct cont…