Reference-Free Method for Thickness Gaging of a Test Object and Measuring the Speed of Longitudinal and Transverse Waves in It Based on Echo Signals Picked by an Antenna Array

Abstract

A reference-free method is proposed for determining the speed of longitudinal and transverse vertically polarized waves and the thickness of a test object based on comparing the measured and calculated echo signals reflected from the boundaries of the test object when using an antenna array operating on a zero tilt angle wedge in the double scanning mode. Results of numerical and model experiments confirming the efficiency of the method are presented. Using this method in a model experiment, it has proved possible to measure the thickness of a test object and the speed of longitudinal and transverse waves in it with a relative error (accuracy) of approximately 0.25%. The method can be used to characterize anisotropic properties of test objects, providing information about their physical and mechanical properties.