What type of defects is PAUT particularly good at detecting?

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is particularly effective at detecting volumetric defects such as cracks and inclusions due to its ability to manipulate the angle and focus of the ultrasonic beam. This technique utilizes an array of acoustic transducers to create a more detailed and comprehensive inspection of the internal structure of materials.

Volumetric defects, which encompass internal discontinuities that may affect the integrity of the material, are often sub-surface in nature. PAUT can be programmed to scan at various angles and depths, allowing it to locate and characterize these defects with precision. This capability is especially beneficial in detecting flaws that are oriented at different angles to the surface, which traditional ultrasonic testing may struggle to identify.

Other options relate to specific types of flaws or issues that may not be as effectively targeted by PAUT. For example, while surface defects are important, they do not leverage the full capabilities of phased array technology, which excels in volumetric assessments. Similarly, thermal fatigue and surface corrosion, although significant concerns, may require different inspection methods or complementary techniques for the best results, which can be more focused on surface analysis rather than internal volumetric evaluation.