Ultrasonic device consisting of a coaxial rod and transducer enclosed in a cylindrical probe which is filled with deionized or distilled water speeds up the testing of welds. Rubber diaphragm is molded to produce the desired test beam angle

Hoop, J. M.

Mc~donald, J. A.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

December 1966	 Brief 66-10577 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Ultrasonic Water Column Probe Speeds Up Testing of Welds 
Fill Plug
	 \	 \ Test Plate 
Gland Nut
	 0-Ring
	 Transducer	 Transducer Holder \ 
-	
Beam Path 
5. 
Coaxial Rod	 Hose Clamp 
Mounting Bracket
	
Rubber Diaphragm 
The problem: 
To devise a method, incorporating ultrasonic 
methods, to speed up the testing of welds. In testing 
the Saturn IC tank welds, a manual testing operator 
could test about 12 feet an hour, or take about 12 
hours to test 1 of the circumferential welds. The size 
of the Saturn IC tanks precluded the use of any of the 
immersion testing methods. The commercially avail-
able wheel ultrasonic probe was not satisfactory 
because it could not be used at the desired test beam 
angles. 
The solution: 
An ultrasonic device consisting of a coaxial rod and 
transducer enclosed in a cylindrical probe which is 
filled with de-ionized or distilled water. A rubber 
diaphragm is molded to produce the desired test beam 
angle.
How it's done: 
The water column probe contains the water and a 
beam transducer that can be focused to a desired 
point in the material by moving the transducer to 
various levels. A transducer holder acts as a spacer 
and maintains the position of the transducer after 
setting; filler caps maintain the water level. The rubber 
diaphragm is the contact surface of the probe, and 
retains the water in the column. The thin membrane 
on the face of the diaphragm is flexible enough to 
allow full contact with slightly rough or curved sur-
faces, and can be moved close to a high weld bead. 
Notes: 
I. The water column probe is not as thorough for 
testing welds as the manual techniques. The ad-
vantage is in making a quick scan of the weld. 
Until greater confidence is gained based on pro-
duction experience, the manual test should be used 
as a backup check on indications and to provide 
more depth and defect type information.
(continued overleal) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000575 2020-03-11T17:45:46+00:00Z
2. Inquiries concerning this invention should be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Headquarters 
National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration 
Washington, D.C. 20546 
Reference: B66-10577
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: J. M. Hoop and J. A. McDonald

of the General Electric Co.

under contract to

NASA Headquarters 
(Hq-58) 
Brief 66-10577	 Category 01


Ultrasonic water column probe speeds up testing of welds

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