Ultrasonic System for Material Characterization & Flaw Detection

The utilization of ultrasound imaging is common for material characterization and detection of flaws in small-scale biological tissues and soft materials because it provides quantitative and relevant information. However, this imaging modality relies on the probe coming into direct contact with the soft material in order to minimize excess attenuation and backscatter. The force of this contact on the material can vary widely throughout the measurement process as well as between separate measurements, which reduces result accuracy. Further, excessive force can cause strain the sample and may even cause damage to it. Constant force is needed to ensure repeatable and reliable measurements and prevent strain or damage, but there is currently nothing on the market that enables this.

 

Researchers at Arizona State University developed a quantitative ultrasound system and specialized device which utilizes sensors to characterize and detect flaws in biological tissues or engineering materials. The sensors measure peak density of the Fast Fourier Transform of the signal passed through the material while simultaneously measuring the force applied to the sample and the sample thickness. This ensures that reliable and repeatable force is applied when examining materials so as to eliminate strain and damage to the tissue or material sample. The specialized device for reliable and repeatable measurements may be 3D printed and configured to be handheld or mounted in a frame.  

 

This ultrasound system makes sure that the force applied to a sample is predictable and repeatable, ensuring consistent conditions for testing soft samples and avoiding strain and damage. 

 

Potential Applications

Benefits and Advantages

For more information about the inventor(s) and their research, please see