Which of the following is a common flaw detected by phased array ultrasonic testing?

Phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) is an advanced inspection technique commonly used to detect various types of flaws in materials, with a particular emphasis on the internal characteristics of the tested objects. One common flaw that PAUT is effective at identifying is voids. Voids refer to empty spaces or gaps within the material, which can occur during the manufacturing process or due to material degradation over time.

The detection of voids is crucial, as they can significantly impact the structural integrity and mechanical properties of a component. PAUT utilizes multiple elements in an ultrasonic transducer, allowing for the steering and focusing of sound beams. This ability enables better resolution and imaging capability, making it well-suited for identifying internal defects such as voids.

While corrosion, cavitation, and fatigue failure are also critical issues that can affect materials, they may not be specifically highlighted as the primary detection target of phased array ultrasonic testing compared to voids. Corrosion typically manifests on the surface and may be better suited for methods that focus on surface conditions; cavitation involves imploding bubbles typically found in fluids, which might not be directly detected; and fatigue failure often leads to cracks that can also be seen but might not be the primary focus of PAUT relative to void detection