Non-Kramers doublet ground state in a quaternary cubic compound PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) investigated by ultrasonic measurements

We performed ultrasonic measurements on a quaternary cubic compound PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) to explore the ground state properties derived from non-Kramers Γ_(3) doublet of Pr^(3+).PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) is a quaternary derivative of the ternary compound PrRu_(2)Zn_(20) that exhibits a structural phase transition at T_S=138 K.In PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18),the Zn atoms at the 16c site in PrRu_(2)Zn_(20) are selectively replaced by In atoms.A monotonic increase was observed in the temperature dependence of elastic constants C_L=(C_(11)+2C_(12)+4C_(44))/3 and C_(T)=(C_(11)-C_(12)+C_(44))/3 in the temperature range around T_(S) to which an elastic softening was observed in(C_(11)-C_(12))/2 for PrRu_(2)Zn_(20).The disappearance of the softening indicates that the structural transition in PrRu_(2)Zn_(20) is suppressed by the substitution of Zn ions by In ones with a larger ionic radius.Alternatively,the C_(T) of PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) exhibits a precursor Curie-type elastic softening toward low temperatures being responsible for the non-Kramers Γ_(3) ground state.We discuss the ground state and the evolution of the elastic properties of the different single-crystal samples of PrRu_(2)In_(2)Zn_(18) grown under different conditions.

FPGA-based High-precision Measurement Algorithm for the Ultrasonic Echo Time of Flight

Based on the evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of high-precision digital time interval measuring algorithms, and combined with the principle of the typical time-difference ultrasonic flow measurement, the requirements for the measurement of echo time of flight put forward by the ultrasonic flow measurement are analyzed. A new high-precision time interval measurement algorithm is presented, which combines the pulse counting method with the phase delay interpolation. The pulse counting method is used to ensure a large dynamic measuring range, and a double-edge triggering counter is designed to improve the accuracy and reduce the counting quantization error. The phase delay interpolation is used to reduce the quantization error of pulse counting for further improving the time measurement resolution. Test data show that the systexn for the measurement of the ultrasonic echo time of flight based on this algorithm and implemented on an Field Programmable Gate Army（FleA） needs a relatively short time for measurement, and has a measurement error of less than 105 ps.

Ultrasonic Resonator Techniques for Broad-band Spectroscopy and for High-resolution Sound Velocity Measurement of Liquids

This review gives a short introduction into the principles of ultrasonic measurement techniques for liquids, using cavity resonators. Guidelines for the resonator design in broad-band ultrasonic stxctroscopy as well as in high-resolution single-frequncy or narrowband applications are presented. Deviations of the field configuration in real cells frtxn that in an ideal resonator are discussed and relations for the mode spectrum of cavity fields are given. Recent resonator measurement procedures and methods of data evaluation are mentioned briefly. Some examples of measurements show the extended usability of ultrasonic resonator techniques in basic science and in a wide range of applications for rrkaterials characterization, in manufacturing processes, as well as in control routines.

Field measurement method for ultrasonic transducer based on inverse Abel transform

A new reflection approach for field distribution measurement of ultrasonic transducers was investigated. Instead of a point-like reflection target （rigid sphere） or thin wires （line-like targets）, a line response function of experimental knife-edge distribution combined with the inverse Abel transforms was used to estimate the lateral beam distributions of ultrasonic transducers. The measurement steps were as follows：① A knife-edge was scanned perpendicularly to acoustic beam axis of the transducer using an ultrasonic C-scan system to obtain its ultrasonic image line response function, ② the transverse beam distribution was solved by the inverse Abel transforms, and ③ experiments were performed to obtain the lateral beam profiles of two transducers, with and without focus, and the results were compared with those from a hydrophone. The results showed that this method was effective for ultrasonic field measurement and could be as a substitute for hydrophone in most cases.

Application of Ultrasonic Measurements for Determination of Setting and Hardening in Cement Paste

Concrete setting and hardening processes are the most critical phases during construction works, influencing properties of a concrete structure. The initial set is important as it provides an estimate when concrete has reached a point that it can no longer he vibrated without damaging concrete. The point at which final set occurs is important since it provides an estimate when the development of concrete strength and stiffness starts. In this study, experimental work is performed under laboratory conditions to indentify the setting time of cement paste using ultrasonic waves. Correlation between the ultrasonic wave parameters （speed, amplitude and energy） passing through the fresh cement paste and setting time determined using the Vicat test method is analyzed. A method of acoustic emission is also used and acoustic signals recorded in cement paste during hydration are presented.

Monitoring of the Corrosion on a Steel Sheet-Pile Marine Breakwater by Systematic Thickness Measurements

In Quepos, Pacific of Costa Rica, it was finished on 2010 the first phase of a marina, including two mix breakwaters, with rubble mound （rocks and concrete units）, and 25 circular steel sheet piles cofferdam cells, filled with sand and gravel. The maintenance plan, considers tracking sheet pile corrosion, comparing ＂actual＂ against expected rates, checking structural limits, and programming countermeasures if accelerated corrosion is identified. Specific control sections, along the breakwaters, both inside and outside the basin, were established. In each section, thicknesses were measured every meter from the top of the steel cell to seabed using an ultrasonic equipment, and an underwater transducer. Both land crew, and divers for submerged portions, were used. The measurements campaigns are for several years from 2011 to 2016. Sectors of the breakwater with varied corrosion attack levels could be differentiated. Also, corrosion rates and lifespans were estimated, both general for the structures, and specific for each section and level. In turn, this allowed to identify maintenance priorities, defining sites where measures of corrosion protection should initiate, as well, to have confidence in the structural capacity and safety of the breakwaters.

Monitoring of the Corrosion on a Steel Sheet-pile Marine Breakwater by Systematic Thickness Measurements

In Quepos,Pacific of Costa Rica,it was finished on 2010 the first phase of a marina,including two mix breakwaters,with rubble mound(rocks and concrete units),and 25 circular steel sheet piles cofferdam cells,filled with sand and gravel.The maintenance plan,considers tracking sheet pile corrosion,comparing'actual'against expected rates,checking structural limits,and programming countermeasures if accelerated corrosion is identified.Specific control sections,along the breakwaters,both inside and outside the basin,were established.In each section,thicknesses were measured every meter from the top of the steel cell to seabed using an ultrasonic equipment,and an underwater transducer.Both land crew,and divers for submerged portions,were used.The measurements campaigns are for several years from 2011 to 2016.Sectors of the breakwater with varied corrosion attack levels could be differentiated.Also,corrosion rates and lifespans were estimated,both general for the structures,and specific for each section and level.In turn,this allowed to identify maintenance priorities,defining sites where measures of corrosion protection should initiate,as well,to have confidence in the structural capacity and safety of the breakwaters.

Effect of microscopic pore structures on ultrasonic velocity in tight sandstone with different fluid saturation

Microcosmic details of pore structure are the essential factors affecting the elastic properties of tight sandstone reservoirs,while the relationships in between are still incompletely clear due to the fact that quantitative or semi-quantitative experiments are hard to achieve.Here,three sets of tight sandstone samples from the Junggar Basin are selected elaborately based on casting thin sections,XRD detection,and petro-physical measurement,and each set is characterized by a single varied microcosmic factor(pore connectedness,pore type,and grain size)of the pore structure.An ultrasonic pulse transmission technique is conducted to study the response of elastic properties to the varied microcosmic details of pore structure in the situation of different pore fluid(gas,brine,and oil)saturation and confining pressure.Observations show samples with less connectedness,inter-granular dominant pores,and smaller grain size showed greater velocities in normal conditions.Vpis more sensitive to the variations of pore type,while Vsis more sensitive to the variations of grain size.Samples with better connectedness at fluid saturation(oil or brine)show greater sensitivity to the confining pressure than those with gas saturation with a growth rate of 6.9%-11.9%,and the sensitivity is more likely controlled by connectedness.The pore types(inter-granular or intra-granular)can be distinguished by the sensitivity of velocities to the variation of pore fluid at high confining pressure(>60 MPa).The samples with small grain sizes tend to be more sensitive to the variations of confining pressure.With this knowledge,we can semi-quantitatively distinguish the complex pore structures with different fluids by the variation of elastic properties,which can help improve the precision of seismic reservoir prediction for tight sandstone reservoirs.

TECHNOLOGY OF QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS ON VIBRATORY STRESS RELIEF BASED ON ULTRASONIC TIME-OF-ARRIVAL METHOD

The effect of vibratory stress relief （VSR） is usually evaluated with the indirect method of observing the change of amplitude frequency response characteristics of structures. A new kind of evaluating method of VSR based on the ultrasonic time-of-arrival method （UTM）, which can obtain the residual stress directly through measuring the propagation time of ultrasonic wave in the material, is presented. At first, the principle of the measuring method of residual stress based on UTM is analyzed. Then the measuring system of the method is described, which is in virtue of ultrasonic flaw detector and high-sampling-rate digital oscillograph. And a set of calibration system that contains a piece of standard specimen is also introduced. Experimental results prove the relation between the residual stress and the propagation time of ultrasonic in workpieces. Finally, the measuring and calibration systems are applied in evaluating the effect of VSR. The final test results show that the method is effective.

Research on ultrasonic detection of complex surfaces

Parts of complex surface are widely used now in many fields, and their detection has caused much concern. In China many manufactories still carry on the traditional way of manual detection, which requires highly skilled personnel and efficiency is low. Some large manufactories have imported auto-detecting equipments, which require CAD data on the parts, or just divide the surface into several approximate planes for automatic detection. Phased-array system is seldom used, and the cost is high. Besides, most of the systems have not considered the automatic sensitivity compensation of parts with varying thickness. To improve the detection quality and efficiency of nondestructive test (NDT) of parts of complex surface, this paper puts forward an integrated ultrasonic NDT system characterized by: (1) Use of ultrasonic measurement and reverse of curved surface to solve the CAD data problem; (2) Use of an automatic sensitivity compensation algorithm (based on the part’s modelling information obtained in surface reverse) to fit the variety of the thickness; (3) Use of template matching and pseudo-color imaging to improve the quality of detection results. The system features integration of low cost mature technologies, and is suitable for detection of various parts of different complex surfaces in medium-and-small enterprises. The test results showed that the system can automatically detect parts of complex surface successfully, and that the inspection result is good and reliable.

Amplitude modulation excitation for cancellous bone evaluation using a portable ultrasonic backscatter instrumentation

The ultrasonic backscatter(UB)has the advantage of non-invasively obtaining bone density and structure,expected to be an assessment tool for early diagnosis osteoporosis.All former UB measurements were based on exciting a short single-pulse and analyzing the ultrasonic signals backscattered in bone.This study aims to examine amplitude modulation(AM)ultrasonic excitation with UB measurements for predicting bone characteristics.The AM multiple lengths excitation and backscatter measurement(AM-UB)functions were integrated into a portable ultrasonic instrument for bone characterization.The apparent integrated backscatter coefficient in the AM excitation(AIB_(AM))was evaluated on the AM-UB instrumentation.The correlation coefficients of the AIB_(AM) estimating volume fraction(BV/TV),structure model index(SMI),and bone mineral density(BMD)were then analyzed.Significant correlations(|R|=0.82-0.93,p<0.05)were observed between the AIB_(AM),BV/TV,SMI,and BMD.By growing the AM excitation length,the AIB_(AM) values exhibit more stability both in 1.0-MHz and 3.5-MHz measurements.The recommendations in AM-UB measurement were that the avoided length(T1)should be lower than AM excitation length,and the analysis length(T2)should be enough long but not more than AM excitation length.The authors conducted an AM-UB measurement for cancellous bone characterization.Increasing the AM excitation length could substantially enhance AIB_(AM) values stability with varying analyzed signals.The study suggests the portable AM-UB instrument with the integration of real-time analytics software that might provide a potential tool for osteoporosis early screening.

Indoor 3D Reconstruction Using Camera, IMU and Ultrasonic Sensors

The recent advances in sensing and display technologies have been transforming our living environments drastically. In this paper, a new technique is introduced to accurately reconstruct indoor environments in three-dimensions using a mobile platform. The system incorporates 4 ultrasonic sensors scanner system, an HD web camera as well as an inertial measurement unit (IMU). The whole platform is mountable on mobile facilities, such as a wheelchair. The proposed mapping approach took advantage of the precision of the 3D point clouds produced by the ultrasonic sensors system despite their scarcity to help build a more definite 3D scene. Using a robust iterative algorithm, it combined the structure from motion generated 3D point clouds with the ultrasonic sensors and IMU generated 3D point clouds to derive a much more precise point cloud using the depth measurements from the ultrasonic sensors. Because of their ability to recognize features of objects in the targeted scene, the ultrasonic generated point clouds performed feature extraction on the consecutive point cloud to ensure a perfect alignment. The range measured by ultrasonic sensors contributed to the depth correction of the generated 3D images (the 3D scenes). Experiments revealed that the system generated not only dense but precise 3D maps of the environments. The results showed that the designed 3D modeling platform is able to help in assistive living environment for self-navigation, obstacle alert, and other driving assisting tasks.

Simulation of Ultrasonic Propagation in Transformers within Thermal Fields and Intelligent Methodology for Hot-spot Temperature Recognition

Hot-spot temperature of transformer windings is a crucial indicator of internal defects.However,current methods for measuring the hot-spot temperature of transformers do not apply to those already in operation and suffer from data lag.This study introduces a novel inversion method that combines ultrasonic sensing technology,multiphysics simulation,and the K-nearest neighbors algorithm.Leveraging the penetrative ability and temperature sensitivity of ultrasonic sensing,a detailed physical field simulation model was established.This study extensively investigates the characteristics of ultrasonic wave signals inside transformers.The investigation includes different temperature fields,ranging from 40℃ to 110℃ at 10℃ intervals,and various ultrasonic wave emitter conditions.By extracting the key features of the acoustic signals,such as the peak time,propagation time,and peak amplitude,an accurate inversion of the winding hot-spot temperature is successfully achieved.The results demonstrate that this method achieves a high accuracy rate(98.57%)in inverting the internal winding hot-spot temperatures of transformers,offering an efficient and reliable new approach for measuring winding hot-spot temperatures.

A method to avoid the cycle-skip phenomenon in time-of-flight determination for ultrasonic flow measurement

The double-threshold method has been widely used in ultrasonic flow measurement to determine time-of-flight(TOF)due to its low cost and ease of implementation.Performance of this method is negatively affected by the cycle-skip phenomenon which occurs frequently under inconstant working conditions,especially varied fluid temperature.This paper proposes a method to suppress the phenomenon to facilitate reliable determination of TOF in ultrasonic flow measurement.First,the double-threshold method is used to generate a feature point to segment the signal.Second,based on the correlation coefficient and signal power,judgement factors of individual signal periods are calculated to determine signal onset.Finally,a valid zero crossing which has a constant lag from the onset is selected to determine the TOF.Thus,the cycle-skip phenomenon is suppressed.Two additional modifications are proposed to eliminate the influence of varied signal frequency and low sampling rate.The proposed method was validated by an experiment based on an ultrasonic water flow sensor.Results showed that the frequently appearing cycle-skip phenomenon can be successfully suppressed by the proposed method.

In-situ density measurement for plastic injection molding via ultrasonic technology

Density variation during the injection molding process directly reflects the state of plastic melt and contains valuable information for process monitoring and optimization.Therefore,in-situ density measurement is of great interest and has significant application value.The existing methods,such as pressure−volume−temperature(PVT)method,have the shortages of time-delay and high cost of sensors.This study is the first to propose an in-situ density measurement method using ultrasonic technology.The analyses of the time-domain and frequency-domain signals are combined in the proposed method.The ultrasonic velocity is obtained from the time-domain signals,and the acoustic impedance is computed through a full-spectral analysis of the frequency-domain signals.Experiments with different process conditions are conducted,including different melt temperature,injection speed,material,and mold structure.Results show that the proposed method has good agreement with the PVT method.The proposed method has the advantages of in-situ measurement,non-destructive,high accuracy,low cost,and is of great application value for the injection molding industry.

The application of laser reflective tomography in near-field measurements of ultrasonic transducers

With Laser Reflective Tomography（LRT）,the near fields of ultrasonic transducers were measured and analyzed.The principle of LRT measurement of ultrasonic field distribution was introduced and an experimental system was set up.Acoustic pressure of a multiple element piston transducer was measured by using of a laser vibrometer.Its distribution in amplitude and phase was obtained.The acoustic pressure in the same region was measured with a needle hydrophone to validate the LRT method.Furthermore,through reconstruction of acoustic fields,it indicated that LRT method is suitable for predicting the distribution on transducers＇surface and conditions of active elements.

Nondestructive test of weld residual stresses by acoustoelastic technique

The fundamentals of acoustoelastic theory and the principle of acoustoelastic nondestructive stress analysis related ultrasonic test Instrument for weld residual stresses are described. The weld residual stress distribution in butt-welded joints was measured by the acoustoelastic stress analysis, which uses the pulse echo overlap method to measure the speed difference in ultrasonic shear waves polarized in principal directions, and a new method of evaluating the material anisotropy is proposed. The results indicate that the anisotropic coefficient of the welded metal is much greater than that of the parent metal. the longitudinal residual stress distributions measured by the acoustoelastic technique are coincident with those obtained by the theoretical analysis, and the measuring accuracy is much greater than that obtained by the resistance strain gauge.

Measurement of acoustic field radiated by low frequency power ultrasonic transducer with laser-interferometer

Based on the piezo-optic effect of medium, the refractive index of medium is the function of its density, and so it's also the function of acoustic pressure. Therefore, acoustic pressure in the optical path everywhere can be determined absolutely by laser-interferometric technique and relative distribution of pressure in the middle and far acoustic field, which can be obtained from theory or experiment respectively. Theory and experiment of measurement of pressure in acoustic field with laser-interferometer are introduced. Distribution of pressure radiated by a power ultrasonic transducer is determined by laser interferometric technique. The theoretical and experimental results are in good agreement. The receiving sensitivity of a PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride) transducer in free field is also calibrated absolutely due to above results and its sensitivity is -118.5 dB.

Ultrasonic measurement of tie-bar stress for die-casting machine

In die casting,the real-time measurement of the stress of the tie-bar helps ensure product quality and protect the machine itself.However,the traditional magnetic-attached strain gauge is installed in the mold and product operating area,which hinders the loading and unloading of the mold and the collection of die castings.In this paper,a method for real-time measurement of stress using ultrasonic technology is proposed.The stress variation of the tie-bar is analyzed,and a mathematical model between ultrasonic signal and stress based on acoustoelastic theory is established.Verification experiments show that the proposed method agrees with the strain gauge,and the maximum of the difference square is only 1.5678(MPa)2.Furthermore,single-factor experiments are conducted.A higher ultrasonic frequency produces a better measurement accuracy,and the mean of difference squares at 2.5 and 5 MHz are 2.3234 and 0.6733(MPa)_(2),respectively.Measurement accuracy is insensitive to probe location and tonnage of the die-casting machine.Moreover,the ultrasonic measurement method can be used to monitor clamping health status and inspect the dynamic pulling force of the tie-bar.This approach has the advantages of high precision,high repeatability,easy installation,and noninterference,which helps guide the production in die casting.

Accurate measurement of ultrasonic velocity by eliminating the diffraction effect

The accurate measurement method of ultrasonic velocity by the pulse interference method with eliminating the diffraction effect has been investigated in VHF range experimentally. Two silicate glasses were taken as the specimens, their frequency dependences of longitudinal velocities were measured in the frequency range 50-350 MHz, and the phase advances of ultrasonic signals caused by diffraction effect were calculated using A. O. Williams' theoretical expression. For the frequency dependences of longitudinal velocities, the measurement results were in good agreement with the simulation ones in which the phase advances were included. It has been shown that the velocity error due to diffraction effect can be corrected very well by this method.