Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Surface Testing Using Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) Techniques

Abstract

5.1 EMAT techniques show benefits and advantages over conventional piezoelectric ultrasonic techniques in special applications where flexibility in the type of wave mode generation and where no fluid coupling is desired. EMATs are highly efficient in the generation of surface waves. 5.2 Since EMATs are highly efficient in the generation of surface waves, and since acoustic techniques utilizing surface waves are proven effective for detecting surface and near-surface discontinuities, they should be considered for any applications where conventional penetrant testing and magnetic particle NDT techniques are effective but undesirable. 5.3 Since EMAT techniques are non-contacting, they should be considered for ultrasonic testing where applications involve automation, high-speed examinations, moving objects, applications in remote or hazardous locations, applications to objects at elevated temperatures, or objects with rough surfaces. 5.4 The purpose of this practice is to promote the EMAT technique of the ultrasonic method as a viable alternative to conventional PT and MPT methods for detecting the presence of surface and near-surface material discontinuities. 5.5 The use of EMATs and the selection of appropriate operating parameters presuppose a knowledge of the geometry of the component; the probable location, size, orientation, and reflectivity of the expected flaws; the allowable range of EMAT lift-off; and the laws of physics governing the propagation of ultrasonic waves. This procedure pertains to a specific EMAT surface inspection application.