Defect detection for red copper weldment using ultrasonic method

Because the traditional ultrasonic test technique has some shortcomings such as unreliability and poor recording, the ultrasonic TOFD (Time of Flight Diffraction) is employed to detect defect of a thick wall (≥20 mm) red copper weldment. The analysis of the acoustic character of red copper provides a guideline for choosing of ultrasonic transducer. The sensitivity and accuracy of the system was tested and the test process was designed through testing an artificial defects contained block. Ultrasonic TOFD was carried on red copper weldment, and the non-destructive test results were verified by destructive testing experiments. The results show that, ultrasonic TOFD is effective in recognition of the dangerous weld cracks with proper test process.