In order to facilitate beam steering and focusing, time delays are applied to what?

Time delays are applied to both the transmission pulse and the acquisition signal in phased array ultrasonic testing to achieve effective beam steering and focusing.

In phased array systems, the individual elements in the array can be controlled independently, allowing for precise manipulation of the ultrasound beam. By applying time delays to the transmission pulse, the emitted sound waves can be directed at specific angles to reach the area of interest within the material being tested. This ability to steer the beam enables more flexible inspection configurations compared to traditional ultrasonic testing.

Similarly, time delays are also applied to the acquisition signals as the returning echoes from the material are received. Adjusting the timing of these signals ensures that the data collected from each element corresponds accurately to the correct position of the sound beam, allowing for the construction of a detailed image or profile of the test subject, revealing any defects or inconsistencies.

Therefore, applying time delays to both the transmission and acquisition processes is essential for optimizing the performance of phased array systems, leading to better imaging and defect detection capabilities.