Introduction to Phased Array
PHASE ARRAY
INTRODUCTION
Probes
June 21, 2005
GE Inspection Technologies
With a conventional probe to change the sound
angle we must change to a different probe or
wedge.
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To focus we must use a lens or curved element.
To change the focus we must change the probe.
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To scan the volume of a part we must physically
move the probe.
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With a phased array system the sound angle can
be changed electronically
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The focal point can also be changed
electronically
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Steering and focus can be combined
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Phased Array Concept
One pulser/receiver is required for each active
element.
The pulsers are timed, or PHASED, to achieve
the desired beam steering and focus.
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A Phased Array can provide the coverage of many
single probes by electronically steering the sound
beam.
Beam Focusing Beam Steering
Beam Focusing and steering Beam Re-forming
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Phased Array Terminology
Pitch:
• Center-to-center distance between two adjacent elements
Elevation:
Pitch Elevation
• Width of a single element
Virtual Probe:
• The number of single elements pulsed as a group to create
the desired sound beam characteristics (aperture).
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Types of Phased Array Probes
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Flat Linear Array
Unique Features
• Simplest array configuration
• Beam steering on one axis
Applications
• variable focus
• variable angle beam
• can be wedge mounted
• general immersion
• wide beam coverage
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Dual (TR) Array
Unique Features
• 2 linear arrays in one housing
• Fixed roof angle (focal depth)
Applications
• Near surface inspection
• Inspection of coarse grained
materials
• Variable angle beam
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Curved Linear Array
Unique Features
• Concave or convex
• Fixed radius of curvature
Applications
• Tube and pipe
• OD and ID inspection
• Variable focus
• Variable angle
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Annular Array
Unique Features
• Concentric ring elements
• Can be curved spherically for
prefocusing
Applications
• Billet inspection
• General immersion
• Variable point focus
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We need to understand single element sound
fields to understand how phased arrays work.
Crystal Focus Angle of divergence
Accoustical axis
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D0
N
Near field Far field
2
D f c
N
eff sin 6 0.5
4c Deff f
N=near field length 6= angle of divergence for amplitude drop to 50% (-6dB)
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STEERING: Large Elements Are Less
Divergent, Less Steerable
Phased Array - Electronic Steering
Small overlap of adjacent
sound beams yields low
amplitude (weak) wavefront.
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STEERING: Small Elements Are
More Divergent, More Steerable
Phased Array - Electronic Steering
Overlapping beams from
individual elements produces
higher amplitude wavefront.
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STEERING: Smaller Pitch Means
Greater Angle Increment
Element #1 Element #2
Pitch
q
d
q sin 1 ((c * t ) / Pitch)
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FOCUSING
Conventional probes are focused using an acoustic
lens.
Converging Diverging
Region Region
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FOCUSING
The sound field cannot be focused beyond the
Nearfield distance2 2
D D *f
N
4 4*c
To increase the Nearfield distance the element size
or frequency of the source must be increased.
With phased arrays, this can be accomplished by
enlarging the virtual probe, i.e., increasing the
number of elements pulsed as a group.
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Virtual probe size is determined by
coverage and focal requirements.
Nearfield
Farfield
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A group of small elements (virtual probe)
behaves the same as a single element of the
same size.
Virtual Probe Single Element Probe
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A virtual probe
within a larger array
also behaves the
same as a single
element of the same
size.
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Summary
One array probe does the job of many single-
element transducers:
Probe size
Probe focus
Under Electronic
Probe scanning Control
Probe direction
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