WELDING PROCESS FEEDBACK AND INSPECTION OPTIMIZATION USING ULTRASONIC PHASED ARRAYS

Measurements performed on friction‐stir butt welds in aluminum and resistance spot welds in galvanized steel are used to illustrate how ultrasonic phased arrays can be used to provide high‐resolution images of welds. Examples are presented that demonstrate how information extracted from the ultrasonic signals can be used to provide reliable feedback to welding processes. Modeling results are used to demonstrate how weld inspections can be optimized using beam‐forming strategies that help overcome the influence of surface conditions and part distortion.