Quantitative studies in ultrasonic wave-defect interaction

Abstract A common aim of ultrasonic inspections is to detect, locate, size and characterize defects in a wide range of structures. The current range of ultrasonic techniques uses a limited amount of the available information. To improve existing techniques in this respect, a fundamental understanding of elastic wave propagation and its interaction with defects is required. In this study ultrasonic Rayleigh waves are modelled numerically using explicit finite difference methods. These models, which are part of a group of computer models named ‘USWAPS’ (Ultra Sonic WAve Propagation and Scattering), are used to study the various geometries of interest.