CHAPTER-3

REFERENCE AND CALIBRATION STANDARDS

February 26, 2025 UT-2 1

 Reference or Inspection Standards
 The standardization of ultrasonic inspection
allows the same test procedure to be
conducted at various times and locations,
and by both customer and supplier, with
reasonable assurance that consistent results
will be obtained.
 Standardization also provides a basis for
estimating the sizes of any flaws that are
found.

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 An ultrasonic inspection system includes several
controls that can be adjusted to display as much
information as is needed on the oscilloscope
screen
 If the sensitivity control is adjusted to a high
setting, numerous indications may appear on an
A-scan display between the front-surface and
back-surface indications.
 On the other hand, at a low setting, the trace
between front-surface and back-surface
indications may show no indications even if
flaws of prohibited size are present.

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 Inspection or reference standards are used
as a guide for adjusting instrument controls
to reveal the presence of flaws that may be
considered harmful to the end use of the
product and
 for determining which indications come
from flaws that are insignificant, so that
needless reworking or scrapping of
satisfactory parts is avoided.

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 The inspection or reference standards for
pulse-echo testing include test blocks
containing natural flaws, test blocks
containing artificial flaws, and the technique
of evaluating the percentage of back
reflection.

 Inspection standards for thickness testing

can be plates of various known thicknesses
or can be stepped or tapered wedges.

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 Test blocks containing natural flaws
Test blocks containing natural flaws
are metal sections similar to those
parts being inspected. Sections
known to contain natural flaws can be
selected for test blocks.
Test blocks containing natural flaws
have only limited use as standards,
for two principal reasons

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It is difficult to obtain several test
blocks that give identical responses.

Natural flaws vary in shape, surface

characteristics, and orientation, and
echoes from natural flaws vary
accordingly.

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Test blocks containing artificial flaws

 These consist of metal sections containing notches,

slots, or drilled holes and are more widely accepted
as standards as compare to test blocks that contain
natural flaws.

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 Percentage of back reflection
 As an alternative to reference blocks, an internal standard can
be used.

 In this technique, the search unit is placed over an indication-

free area of the part being inspected, the instrument controls
are adjusted to obtain a predetermined height of the first back
reflection, and the part is evaluated on the basis of the
presence or absence of indications that equal or exceed a
certain percentage of this predetermined amplitude.

 This technique is most useful when lot-to-lot variations in

ultrasonic transmissibility are large or unpredictable condition
often encountered in the inspection of steels.
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 Standard reference blocks
Many of the standards and specifications for ultrasonic
inspection require the use of standard reference blocks, which
can be prepared from various alloys, may contain holes, slots, or
notches of several sizes, and may be of different sizes or shapes.

The characteristics of an ultrasonic beam in a test piece are

affected by the following variables, which should be considered
when selecting standard reference blocks:
(i) Nature of the test piece (ii) Alloy type (iii) Grain size
(iv) Effects of thermal or mechanical processing
(v) Distance-amplitude effects (attenuation)
(vi) Flaw size (vii) Direction of the ultrasonic beam

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 Standard reference blocks
 Standard blocks are ordinarily used for calibration or reference:
 Area-amplitude blocks, distance-amplitude blocks, blocks of the
type sanctioned by the International Institute of Welding (IIW)
and ASME reference blocks.

 These blocks must be prepared from material having the same

or similar alloy content, heat treatment, and amount of hot or
cold working as the material to be inspected to ensure equal
sonic velocity, attenuation, and acoustic impedance in both the
reference standard and the test piece.
 If blocks of identical material are not available, the difference
between the material in the test piece and the material used in
the standard reference blocks must be determined
experimentally.
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 Area-amplitude blocks
 Area-amplitude blocks provide artificial flaws of different sizes at the same
depth

 Eight blocks made from the same 50 mm (2 in.) diam round stock, each 95
mm (3-3/ 4 in.) high, constitute a set of area-amplitude blocks.
 The block material must have the same acoustic properties as the test piece
material.

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 Each block has a 20 mm (3/4 in.) deep flat-bottom hole
drilled in the center of the bottom surface (Fig3-1)

The hole diameters vary from 0.4 to 3.2 mm (1/64 to 8/64 in.).
Blocks are numbered to correspond with the diameter of the
holes; that is, block No. 1 has a 0.4 mm (1/64 in.) diam hole, No.
2 has a 0.8 mm (2/64 in.) diam hole, and so on, up to No. 8,
which has a 3.2 mm (8/64 in.) diam hole.

Because a flat-bottom hole is an ideal reflector and

most natural flaws are less than ideal in reflective
properties, an area-amplitude block defines a lower
limit for the size of a flaw that yields a given height of
indication on the oscilloscope screen;
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If the amplitude of the indication from a flaw in a test
piece is six scale units high and this is also the amplitude
of the indication from a 2.0 mm (5/64 in.) diam flat-
bottom hole at the same depth as the flaw, it is certain
that the flaw is no smaller in area than the 2.0mm (5/64
in.) diam hole.

Unfortunately, with ultrasonic inspection methods, it is

not possible to determine how much larger than the
reference hole the flaw actually is.

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 Distance-amplitude blocks
 Distance-amplitude blocks provide artificial flaws of a given size at
various depths.
 From ultrasonic wave theory, it is known that the decrease in echo
amplitude from a flat-bottom hole using a circular search unit is
inversely proportional to the square of the distance to the hole
bottom.
 Distance-amplitude blocks (also known as Series-B or Hitt blocks)
can be used to check actual variations of amplitude with distance
for straight-beam inspection in a given material.
 They also serve as a reference for setting or standardizing the
sensitivity (gain) of the inspection system so that readable
indications will be displayed on the oscilloscope screen for flaws of
a given size and larger, but the screen will not be flooded with
indications of smaller discontinuities that are of no interest.
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 19 blocks in a Series-B set. All are 50 mm (2 in.) diam blocks of
the same material as that being inspected, and all have a 20
mm (3/4 in.) deep flat-bottom hole drilled in the center of the
bottom surface (Fig.3-2).
Hole diameter is the same in all the blocks of a set; sets can be
made with hole diameters of 1.2, 2.0, and 3.2 mm (3/64 , 5/64 ,
and 8/64 in.).

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Blocks vary in length to provide metal distances of 1.6
to 146 mm (1/16 to 5-3/ 4 in.) from the top (entry)
surface to the hole bottom.

Metal distances are:

1.6 mm (1/16 in.),

3.2 mm through 25 mm (1/8 in. through 1 in.) in

increments of 3.2 mm (1/8 in.),

32 mm through 146 mm (1-1/ 4 in. through 5-3/ 4 in.) in

increments of 13 mm (1/2 in.)
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 Each Series-B block is identified by a code number
consisting of a digit, a dash, and four more digits.

 The first digit is the diameter of the hole in one sixty-

fourths of an inch.

 The four other digits are the metal distance from the
top (entry) surface to the hole bottom in one
hundredths of an inch.

 Example, a block marked 3-0075 has a 1.2 mm (3/64 in.)

diam hole and a 20 mm (3/4in.) metal distance.
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ASME Basic Calibration Blocks for Non-Piping

The block is used to construct a distance-amplitude-

correction (DAC) curve on the CRT screen by noting the
changes in echo amplitude from the hole with change in
scanning distance (multiple skip).
This block is made from the same material as that of the
test specimen and contains side drilled holes.
Thickness of the block and the diameter of the side drilled
holes depend on the thickness of the test specimen.

A typical ASME reference block called the basic calibration

block (BCB) used for the inspection of welds is shown in
Fig. 3-3
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Specified calibration reflectors for different weld thicknesses are
as shown in Fig. 3-3.

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ASME Basic Calibration Blocks for Piping

The basic calibration block configuration and reflectors

shall be as shown in Fig. 3-4. and in accordance with the
following general notes. Thickness, T, shall be within 25%
of the nominal thickness of the component to be
examined. The block size and reflector locations shall be
adequate to perform calibration for the beam angles
used.

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 *Notches shall be located not closer than T or 1 in. (25 mm), whichever is greater, to
any block edge or to other notches

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 GENERAL NOTES:

(a) The minimum calibration block length (L) shall be 8 in.

(200 mm) or 8T, whichever is greater.
(b) For OD 4 in. (100 mm) or less, the minimum arc length
shall be 270 deg. For OD greater than 4 in. (100
mm), the minimum arc length shall be 8 in. (200
mm) or 3T, whichever is greater.
(c) Notch depths shall be 8% T minimum to 11% T
maximum. When cladding is present, notch depths on the
cladding side of the block shall be increased by the
cladding thickness, CT (i.e., 8% T+ CT minimum to 11%
T+ CT maximum).
Notch widths shall be 1/4 in. (6 mm) maximum.
Notch lengths shall be 1 in. (25 mm) minimum.

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Block Curvature
Materials with Diameters 20 in. (500 mm) and Less

For examinations in materials where the examination surface

diameter is equal to or less than 20 in. (500 mm), a curved block
shall be used.
A single curved basic calibration block may be used for
examinations in the range of curvature from 0.9 to 1.5 times the
basic calibration block diameter.

For example, an 8 in (200 mm) diameter block may be used to

calibrate for examinations on surfaces in the range of curvature
from 7.2 in. to 12 in. (180 mm to 300 mm) in diameter.

The curvature range from 0.94 in. to 20 in. (24 mm to 500 mm) in
diameter requires 6 curved blocks as shown in Fig. 3-5 for any
thickness range.
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Block Curvature
Materials with Diameters 20 in. (500 mm) and Less

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Materials with Diameters Greater Than 20 in. (500 mm)
For examinations in materials where the examination surface
diameter is greater than 20 in. (500 mm), a block of essentially the
same curvature,
or alternatively, a flat basic calibration block, may be used. An
adjustment of receiver gain may be required when flat calibration
blocks are used.

To determine the required increase in gain, the ratio of the material

radius, R, to the critical radius of the transducer, Rc, must be
evaluated as follows:

a) When the ratio of R /Rc [the radius of curvature of the

material R divided by the critical radius of the transducer Rc ]
from Table 3a and Fig. 3-6 is equal to or greater than 1.0, no
gain correction is required.
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 Transducer factor F1

b) When the ratio of R /Rc is less than 1.0, the gain correction
must be obtained from Fig. 3-7.

Example:
Material with a 10 in. (250 mm) radius (R) will be
examined with a 1 in. (25 mm) diameter 2.25 MHz boron carbide
faced search unit using glycerine as a couplant.

i) Determine the appropriate transducer factor, F1 from Table

3a; F1 =92.9.
ii) Determine the Rc from Fig. 3-6 Rc= 100 in.
iii) Calculate the R/Rc ratio; 10 in./100 in. = 0.1
iv) Using Fig. 3-7 obtain the gain increase required; 12 dB.

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Materials with Diameters Greater Than 20 in. (500 mm)
Table 3a: Transducer factor F1 for various ultrasonic transducer diameter and frequency

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 Transducer factor F1

Materials with Diameters Greater Than 20 in. (500 mm)

Transducer factor F1
Fig. 3-6: Critical radius RC for transducer/couplant combination

Curve Couplant Transducer Wear face

A Motor oil or water Aluminum Oxide or Boron Carbide
B Motor oil or water Quartz
Glycerine or syn. ester Aluminum Oxide or Boron Carbide
C Glycerine or syn. ester Quartz
D Motor oil or water Plastic
E Glycerine or syn. ester Plastic

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 Transducer factor F1

Materials with Diameters Greater Than 20 in. (500 mm)

Fig. 3-7: Correction factor (gain) for various ultrasonic examination parameters

This gain increase calibrates the examination on the curved surface after
establishing calibration sensitivity on a flat calibration block.

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 I.I.W. calibration block (V1 block)
 The most versatile calibration block is the block made from
medium carbon ferritic and normalized steel described by the
International Institute of Welding (I.I.W) and proposed by the
International Standard Organization (I.S.O.). This block, called the
I.I.W. V1 block, is as shown in Fig.

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This block is generally used for:
(i) The checking of performance characteristics of the
ultrasonic flaw detector such as:

• Horizontal linearity.
• Screen height linearity.
• Amplitude control linearity.
• Beam Spread
• Resolution
• Penetrative power.
• Dead zone check.

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(ii) The calibration of the time base using 25 mm,
100 mm and 200 mm thickness with the
normal beam probes and 100 mm quadrant for
angle beam probes.
(iii) The determination of probe index using 100
mm quadrant.
(iv) The determination of the probe angle using
plastic wedge and degrees stamped on the side of
the block. The angle beam transducer is subject
to wear in normal use. This wear can change the
probe index and the probe angle.
(v) The setting of sensitivity.
(vi) Velocity Correction.
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 The miniature angle-beam block (V2 block)
 The miniature angle-beam block is based on the same
design concepts as the IIW block, but is smaller and
lighter.

 The miniature angle-beam block is primarily used in the

field for checking the characteristics of angle-beam
search units and for calibrating the time base of
ultrasonic instruments.

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• With the miniature block, beam angle and index point
can be checked for an angle-beam search unit,
• Metal-distance calibration can be made for either
angle-beam or straight-beam search units.

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 Thickness Blocks
Thickness Blocks Stepped or tapered test blocks are
used to calibrate ultrasonic equipment for thickness
measurement.
These blocks are carefully ground from material similar
to that being inspected, and the exact thickness at
various positions is marked on the block

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 Calibration
In ultrasonic testing calibration means the
verification and adjusting of ultrasonic
equipment characteristics to a reference
standard so that reliable and reproducible test
results are obtained.

The calibration procedure used in ultrasonic

testing can be classified into:
i) Equipment characteristics verification.
ii) Range calibration.
iii) Reference level or sensitivity setting.
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 EQUIPMENT CHARACTERISTICS
The most important equipment characteristics to be
verified are horizontal linearity, screen height linearity,
amplitude control linearity, resolution of equipment, dead
zone estimation and penetrative power.
Horizontal linearity
The horizontal linearity or time base linearity is a measure
of the degree of difference between an actual distance
and a distance read out on the CRT.

The I.I.W or any block of similar material and finish may

be used to measure horizontal linearity.

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The choice of thickness is determined by the
requirement that a longitudinal wave probe placed on
the block produces several backwall echoes (usually four
or five) within the chosen range.

For checking the linearity two of the backwall echoes

(say, the first and fourth in a five echo display) should be
set to coincide with appropriate scale divisions. The
position of each of the remaining echoes is then
carefully noted.

The maximum tolerance is 1% for the range chosen.

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 Non-linearity of the time base is seldom a real
problem with modern flaw detectors and the most
common cause of apparent non-linearity is the poor
calibration of time base zero by the operator.

An important precaution to take during the

assessment of time base linearity is that time base
readings are taken as each signal is brought to a
common amplitude. This is usually about 1/2 screen
height.

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Screen height linearity
To verify the ability of the ultrasonic instrument to meet the
linearity requirement, position an angle beam search unit as
shown in Fig. 3-11 so that indications can be observed from both
the ½ and ¾ T holes in a basic calibration block.

Adjust the search unit position to give a 2:1 ratio of amplitudes

between the two indications, with the larger set at 80% of full
screen height.
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Without moving the search unit, adjust sensitivity (gain) to
successively set the larger indication from 100% to 20% of full
screen height, in 10% increments (or 2 dB steps if a fine control is
not available), and read the smaller indication at each setting.

The reading must be 50% of the larger amplitude, within 5% of

full screen height

The settings and readings must be estimated to the nearest

1% of full screen.

Alternatively, a straight beam search unit may be used on any

calibration block which will provide amplitude differences, with
sufficient signal separation to prevent overlapping of the two
signals.

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Amplitude control linearity
For the checking of amplitude control linearity, the time base is
calibrated for a desired range and an echo about midway along
the time base is obtained.

The echo amplitude is set to a desired height and the

attenuator reading is noted. The attenuator setting is then
reduced by 6 dB, in succession and the decrease in echo
amplitude is noted every time.
The indication shall fall within specified limits as given in
the following table: Indication Set at dB Control Indication Limits
% of Full Screen Change %of Full Screen

80% -6 dB 32 to 48%
80% -12 dB 16 to 24%
40% +6 dB 64 to 96%
20% +12 dB 64 to 96%
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Beam spread
Beam spread is a divergence of ultrasonic beam as the
sound travels through a medium. It can be determined by
moving the search unit in one direction (toward either
higher or lower beam angles) from the point of maximum-
amplitude echo until the echo drop to 10 % and noting the
beam angle at the index point.

The search unit is then moved in the opposite direction,

past the point of maximum-amplitude echo to the point
where the echo again drop to 10 %.

The beam spread is the difference between the angles

indicated by the index point at these two extreme
February 26, 2025 UT-2 44
positions.
Resolution: The ability of ultrasonic equipment to give
simultaneous, separate indications from discontinuities having
nearly the same range and lateral position with respect to the
beam axis. A straight-beam search unit, as well as the instrument,
can be checked for back-surface resolution by placing the search
unit on surface B and reflecting the beam from the bottom of the 2
mm (0.080 in.) wide notch and from surfaces H and I on either side
of it, as shown in Fig. 3-12
H
B I
100 mm

85 mm

91 mm

With proper resolution, the indications from these three

surfaces should be clearly separated and not overlapped so as to
appear as one broad, jagged indication.
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Dead Zone
The dead zone is the depth below the entry surface that cannot be inspected
because the initial pulse interferes with echo signals.
An indication of the length of the dead zone of a straight-beam search unit can
be obtained by placing the search unit on surface G or F in line with the 50 mm
(2 in.) diam hole.

F
When the search unit is placed on surface F, a discernible echo from the 50
mm (2 in.) diam hole indicates a dead zone of less than 5 mm (0.2 in.).

Similarly, when the search unit is placed on surface G, a discernible echo

from the 50 mm (2 in.) diam hole indicates a dead zone of less than 10 mm (0.4
in.).
February 26, 2025 UT-2 46
Alternatively, the length of the dead zone can be measured by
calibrating the time base of the instrument.
Then measuring the width of the initial-pulse indication at the base
of the signal, as illustrated schematically in Fig 3-13.

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 Penetrative power
It describes a check which is used to compare the energy output
for a particular set and probe with its past performance or with
similar equipment. The check is carried out as follows:
A longitudinal wave probe is placed on the plastic insert (methyl
polymethacrylate cylinder) of the I.I.W V1 block (Fig. 3-14a) having
a thickness of 23 mm which is equal to 50 mm of steel and the
gain for the instrument is set to its maximum.

The number of multiple echoes and the amplitude of the last

echo are noted and are used to express the maximum penetrative
power of the set and the probe (Fig. 3-14b).
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 Calibration of time base with normal probes
Using V1 block
For calibration of the time base with a normal beam probe for a
range of up to 250 mm, the probe is placed at position C (Fig. 3-15).
Multiple back-wall echoes are obtained and adjusted to the
appropriate scale division of the CRT screen using the delay and fine
material testing range controls.

Fig 3-15 : Probe positions on I.I.W. (V1) calibration block for different thickness ranges .
February 26, 2025 UT-2 49
 Fig. 3-11 shows the CRT screen display for an 100 mm
calibrated CRT screen, when the probe is placed at
position ‘C’.
The points where the rising backwall echoes leave
the base line have been adjusted to the appropriate
scale divisions to give the time base calibration

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 For time base calibration of more than 250 mm with normal beam probe, the probe is
placed at position A or B (Fig. 3-15) and multiple backwall echoes are obtained and
adjusted to the appropriate scale divisions.
Fig 3-17 CRT screen display for one metre test range calibration (when the probe is
placed at position ‘B’).

TABLE 3b: Relationship Between the Probe Positions and the Thickness
Ranges for Calibration

Probe position on calibration block Thickness ranges (mm)

A 200, 400, 600, -------------------------------------
B 100, 200, 300, 400, 500,--------------------------
C 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250
February 26, 2025 D 91,UT-2
182, 273,--------------------------------------- 51
Using V2 block
A normal probe is placed on the block as shown in Fig. 3-18(a) and
multiple backwall echoes are obtained. These echoes are adjusted
using the test range and delay controls.

Fig.3-18(b) shows the screen display for a 50 mm range

calibration.

a
b

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 E

Determination of Beam Angle and Probe index with Angle Beam

Probes
Probe Index: It represents the point at which the ultrasonic
energy along the beam axis enters the specimen. For determining
the probe index, the probe is placed at position E on the calibration
block (Fig. 3-19) and a backwall echo from the 100 mm quadrant is
obtained.
The maximum amplitude of this backwall echo is determined by
moving the probe to and fro about the position E. When the
maximum amplitude is found then the point on the probe which
coincides with the point 0 (or cut mark) on the block is the probe
index. Inaccuracy in the probe index will cause an error in the
measurement of probe angle, depth and surface location of the flaw.
Probe Index
E.

Cut Mark

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Beam Angle
Once the index point of the search unit is marked, the 50 mm (2 in.) diam
hole is used to determine the angle of the beam in the low carbon steel
from which the block is prepared.
The search unit is placed on surface A or surface B and is aimed toward the
50 mm (2 in.) diam hole. Then, the search unit is moved along the surface
until a maximum-amplitude echo is received. At this position, the index
point on the search unit indicates the beam angle, which is read from one
of the degree scales marked along the sides of the block at the edges of
surfaces A and B (Fig. 3-20)

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Range calibration with angle probes
Using V1 block

For a range of 100 mm or more the most direct method is to

get multiple backwall echoes from the 100 mm quadrant by
placing the probe at position ‘E’ Fig. 3-21.

100mm

To calibrate the time base for a 100 mm range with an angle

beam probe, the procedure used is explained in Fig. 3-22 a, b & c.
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55
 Fig 3-22(a) : Peak B is set provisionally at or near 10 using the sweep
length control.

Fig 3-22 (b) : Peak B is set at 0 and 10 using the delay and sweep length controls
respectively.

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Fig 3-22 (c) : Set peak B to 10 using the delay control. The zero is
automatically correct.
CRT screen display for 200 mm test range calibration (when the probe is positioned at
‘E’). Fig 3-23)

100mm

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Using V2 block
The time base calibration for an angle beam probe can be done by
one of the following two methods. In both these methods, the probe
is moved to and fro until a maximum echo is obtained.

In the first method the probe faces the 25 mm radius quadrant as

shown in Fig. 3-24 (a). By this method the screen can be calibrated
for 100 mm, 175 mm, 200 mm and 250 mm ranges.

For 100 mm test range calibration, facing the probe crystal to 25

mm quadrant of V2 block, first echo is obtained from 25 mm
quadrant, the same wave is then reflected from probe index towards
50 mm quadrant. This wave is reflected back to the probe crystal
which is not received by the crystal due to the orientation of the
crystal as it is towards 25 mm quadrant. Again it is reflected to the
25 mm quadrant, this reflected wave from 25 mm quadrant is
received by the crystal.
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The echo obtained now is at 100 mm on CRT, which means that
after first echo obtained at 25 mm on CRT the other multiple
echoes will be obtained at an interval of 75 mm. The echo pattern
for a 200 mm range is as shown in Fig. 3-24 (b). The echoes
appear at 25 mm, 100 mm, and 175 mm. For a 250 mm range the
echoes appear at 25 mm, 100 mm, 175 mm and 250 mm.

b
Fig 3-24 (a & b) : Calibration of time base up to 200 mm using V2 block
and angle probe facing the 25 mm quadrant.
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In the second method the probe faces the 50 mm radius quadrant as
shown in Fig. 3-25 (a). The CRT screen in this case can be calibrated for
ranges of 125 mm and 200 mm. The CRT screen pattern for a 200 mm
range is as illustrated in Fig. 3-25 (b). The echoes appear at 50 mm,
125 mm and 200 mm.

b
Fig 3-25 (a & b) : Calibration of time base up to 200 mm using V2
block and angle probe facing the 50 mm
quadrant.
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 Calculation of defect parameters by using angle beam probe

Sound path length (S)

The sound path length (S) can be read directly from the CRT screen using
the rising flank of the echo from the reflector.

Depth (d)

The depth, (d) is the distance between flaw position and surface. It can
be determined using the relation:
d = S Cos  where  is the probe angle

February 26, 2025 UT-2 61

 Calculation of defect parameters by using angle beam probe
Projection distance (PD)
The projection distance PD, is the distance of the probe index (sound exit point) from the
position of the flaw, projected on the test specimen surface. The projection distance can be
determined from the following relation:
PD= S Sin 

Reduced projection distance (rPD)

The Reduced Projection distance rPD is the distance of the probe's leading face from the
position of the flaw, projected on the test specimen surface. The reduced projection
distance rPD can be determined as:
rPD = PD - X

where
rPD = reduced projection distance, and
X = the distance between the front edge of the probe and the probe index.
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 Calculation of defect parameters by using angle beam probe

Q-15 Using an angle beam probe with probe angle of 45

and probe index to probe front distance of 10 mm,
determine the following:

(i) The depth of the flaw if the location of the flaw echo on the
CRT screen is at 8th large scale division. One large scale
division of the screen is 5 mm.
(ii) The projection distance of the flaw
(iii) The reduced projection distance of the flaw

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Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the measure of smallest ultrasonic signal which will
produce a discernible indication on the display of an ultrasonic
system. The relative sensitivity of an angle-beam search unit in
combination with a given instrument can be defined by placing the
unit on either surface A or B and reflecting the beam from the side of
the 1.5 mm (0.060 in.) diam hole (Fig. 3-27).
The position of the search unit is adjusted until the echo from the
hole is maximum, then the gain of the instrument is adjusted to give
the desired indication height.
Surface-B

1.5mm hole

Surface-
A

Fig. 3-27
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Velocity Correction
If the material of the calibration block used for test range
calibration is different from that of the test specimen then to
determine the true SPL of a reflector in the test specimen the
following relation should be used:

Longitudinal/transverse
velocity in test specimen

SPL in the test = Indicated SPL x ----------------------------------

specimen on CRT screen Longitudinal/transverse
velocity in calibration block

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For thickness measurements when using a calibration block that has a
different material than the test specimen, the above relation is modified
as:

Longitudinal velocity in test specimen

Thickness of = Indicated x -------------------------------------------------
the specimen thickness Longitudinal velocity in calibration block

Q.16 If 50 mm is the indicated thickness of a copper

specimen when measured with a flaw detector which
is calibrated with a steel calibration block then
determine the actual thickness of the copper
specimen. The longitudinal wave velocities in copper
and steel are 4700m/sec and 5920m/sec respectively.

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 VT (specimen)
Sin (actual angle) = Sin (probe angle) x ------------------
VT (steel)

Q.18 Calculate the actual probe angle in an aluminum

specimen. The probe angle in steel calibration
block is 60 degrees. The transverse wave velocities
in aluminum and steel are 3130m/sec and
3250m/sec respectively.

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 THANK YOU

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