Ultrasonic test method and apparatus for testing thick-walled workpieces

摘要

The invention concerns an apparatus and method for ultrasonically testing thick-walled workpieces at an increased scanning speed by the use of a plurality of ultrasonic test probes wherein the probes are selectively rendered operable. The transmit probes are temporarily inhibited from transmitting search signals into the workpiece for a time interval during which the receipt of a defect responsive echo signal by a receive transducer is anticipated. The scan frequency is determined therefore by a clock circuit and the transmission of search signals is halted only temporarily for a brief period during which time there is no skipping in the predetermined transmitting sequence of the transducer probes.