In PAUT, what does the adjustment of depth calibration ensure?

The adjustment of depth calibration in Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is crucial because it ensures that the displayed defect locations on the screen correspond accurately with their actual locations within the material being tested. This correlation is vital for effective interpretation and assessment of the integrity of components.

Depth calibration accounts for the sound wave's travel time through the material, factoring in properties such as material type and thickness, which can affect the time it takes for the ultrasonic waves to return after reflecting off a defect. By fine-tuning the depth calibration, technicians can effectively overlay the ultrasonic data with precise depth measurements, facilitating reliable identification of defects during inspections.

Though image resolution, temperature stabilization, and sound speed relevant to material properties are important aspects of ultrasonic testing, they are not directly linked to the specific function of depth calibration in ensuring correct defect location representation in a PAUT setup.