I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Level I & II

2. Course Prefix & Number:
WELD 1162

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 2

4. Course Description:

Ultrasonic testing (UT) uses waveforms to inspect welds. UT Level I includes a basic introduction to the theory and principles of ultrasound. It contains study materials related to the propagation, reflection, and attenuation of sound as well as the responses from discontinuities. UT is also used for precise thickness measurements and the basic procedure for this is covered. UT Level II explains advanced theory, application, and variables such as beam profile, near and far zones, acoustic impedance, absorption, and sound characteristics. Other subjects pertaining to angle beam inspection include refraction, mode conversion, and tip diffraction. Vertical/horizontal linearity and mode converted calibrations are covered. Examination and evaluation of several test specimens are required.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

 

2. Transfer - regional institutions with which this course has a written articulation agreement:

 

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Nondestructive Testing Technologies Certificate
Nondestructive Testing Technologies Diploma

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate oral communication skills	Explain ultrasonic theory and particle motion.
Demonstrate written communication skills	Perform ultrasonic inspections on multiple test objects and document findings.
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Properly identify and use ultrasonic equipment in a prescribed order.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Demonstrate the ability to choose appropriate ultrasonic testing equipment;
• Explain ultrasonic theory and particle motion;
• Demonstrate the ability to choose the proper transducer for a given medium;
• Compare signal characteristics from various discontinuities;
• Identify discontinuities in various test objects;
• Identify requirements for company certification;
• Navigate related ultrasonic inspection procedures and codes;
• Perform calibration functions of various ultrasonic equipment; and
• Perform ultrasonic inspections on multiple test objects and document findings.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Introduction to ultrasonic testing
• Definition of ultrasonics
• History of ultrasonic testing
• Basic math review
2. Basic principles of acoustics
• Nature of sound waves
• Modes of sound wave generation
• Comparison of wave modes
• Refraction and mode conversion
• Snells law and critical angles
3. Equipment
• Pulse echo instrumentation
• Control functions
• Calibration
• Digital thickness instrumentation
4. Transducer operation and theory
• Piezoelectric effect
• Near field and far field
• Types of transducers
• Sensitivity, resolution, and damping
5. Basic ultrasonic testing methods
• Contact testing
• Immersion testing
• Air coupled ultrasonic applications
6. Principles of ultrasonics
• Five basic elements of ultrasonic testing
• Penetration vs. sensitivity and resolution
7. Equipment calibration
• Transducer performance checks
• Straight beam calibration
• Angle beam calibration
• Basic calibration blocks
8. Evaluation of base material product forms
• Continuous casting
• Slabs and billets
• Plate and sheet
9. Ultrasonic testing applications
• Detecting planar discontinuities
• Scattering discontinuities
• Compressed discontinuities
10. Transducer Characteristics
• Transducer characterization equipment
• Recording of transducer beam profiles
• Analysis of transducer data
11. Evaluation standards
• The role of standards in industry
• Structure of standards
• ASME style standards

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Equipment selection
• Flaw detectors
• Digital thickness instrumentation
• Transducer selection
2. Equipment calibration
• Straight beam calibration
• Angle beam calibration
• Calibration block uses
3. Evaluation of base material product forms
• Thickness readings
• Corrosion mapping
• Angle beam weld inspection
4. Understanding signal characteristics
• Loss of amplitude
• Attenuation
• Loss of signal
5. Recording results
• Completing various forms and reports
• Generating recommendations for follow-up inspections
6. Codes and standards
• Navigation of various applicable industry codes and standards
• Understanding the role of standards and the welding industry