The standard approaches commonly used for the inspection of weld geometries are illustrated. In all cases the probe must be scanned back and forth so as to project the sound beam through the entire volume of the weld.
Probe Positions for Weld Inspection
Full penetration corner welds are commonly tested with an angle beam probe aligned both perpendicular to the weld and from a direction representing a small rotation from parallel.
CORNER WELD
Full penetration lap welds are commonly tested with an angle beam probe coupled to the upper plate.
LAP WELD
T WELD
T WELDS also typically require inspection with both angle beam and straight beam probes, testing with an angle beam from both the flange and web and with a straight beam from the flange.
BUTT WELD
Primarily inspected from the sides using an angle beam probe, testing is done on both the left and right sides of the weld.
A secondary test with a straight beam transducer checks for laminar cracking in the heat affected zone. Testing is also done on each side of the weld.