Ultrasonic Signal Characteristics for Nondestructive-Yield Detection in Steel Structures
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 10
Abstract
Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods for identifying stress levels in materials mostly rely on the theory of acoustoelasticity. However, the sensitivity and the accuracy of acoustoelasticity are affected by several factors such as the (1) type, (2) propagation, and (3) polarization directions of the used signals. This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of longitudinal waves propagating perpendicular to the applied uniaxial tensile stresses in structural steel specimens. The changes in four ultrasonic signal characteristics were investigated with increasing stress levels ranging from below to above the yield stress of steel. The considered signal characteristics were the peak amplitudes and signal energy in the time domain, and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) and chirp-Z transform (CZT) in the frequency domain. Even though the acoustoelastic effect on the type ultrasonic signal used is very small, clear distinctions between prior to and postyielding are observed for all investigated parameters. The results are presented with a detailed statistical and receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) analyses. The results show that identifying damage to steel structures due to local yielding is possible using the simple ultrasonic signal classification.
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Acknowledgments
This paper is based upon work supported in part by the Louisiana Board of Regents (RCS 2004-049 A). Additional support through the Fund for Innovation in Engineering Research grant from Louisiana State University is also acknowledged. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsoring agencies.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 27 • Issue 10 • October 2015
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 7, 2014
Accepted: Oct 10, 2014
Published online: Dec 24, 2014
Discussion open until: May 24, 2015
Published in print: Oct 1, 2015
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