What does the term "beam steering" refer to in phased array ultrasonic testing?

The term "beam steering" in the context of phased array ultrasonic testing refers specifically to the process of adjusting the angle and direction of the ultrasound beam. This capability is a key advantage of phased array technology, enabling the inspection of components at various angles without the need to physically move the transducer.

Beam steering is achieved by varying the timing of the ultrasound pulses emitted by individual elements within the array. By controlling the phase of the signals from different elements, the resulting wavefront can be steered in the desired direction. This allows for improved inspection efficiency, as it facilitates the exploration of complex geometries and enhances the detection of defects at different depths and locations.

In contrast, altering the frequency of ultrasound waves pertains to a different aspect of ultrasonic testing, known as frequency modification, while focusing sound waves primarily deals with the convergence of waves at a specific point, which is a separate function. Post-processing of data involves the analysis and interpretation of the signals received after testing has occurred, rather than the real-time manipulation of the beam during the inspection.

Through beam steering, technicians can effectively optimize their inspections and gather critical information regarding the integrity of the material being tested, demonstrating the importance of this capability in phased array ultrasonic testing.