Flexible Array transducers

2D smart flexible array

Applications

Contact inspection of parts with irregular geometry : Welds, bends, pipe repairs in nuclear power stations, turbine blades, nozzles

Principle

2D phased array transducers are flexible, and can thus ensure good coupling on the geometry of the inspected part.
The sensor integrates real-time measurement of each element's position, and thus of the surface, so when it is used with compatible electronics, the delay laws can be adapted in real time to steer the beam by compensating for the variations of the interface.

The active part consists of a flexible matrix integrating the active elements.
The flexibility of the assembly allows concave or convex deformation in two dimensions, to adapt to complex profiles.

Advantages:

• 3D beam steering capability
• Feasibility of certain inspections
• Improvement in focusing quality by being freed from the interface geometry
• Increase in lateral resolution through the use of larger active dimensions

Configurations already developed*

*These configurations have been developed and tested in the context of various applications. This list is not exhaustive, and the concepts of 1D and 2D flexible transducers remain adaptable to the needs of other applications

Patented Concept

The concept implemented in these transducers, of updating the delay laws in real time according to the real position of individual elements, is covered by a patent registered with the CEA (Atomic Energy Commission, France).
IMASONIC holds the exclusive licence for the use of this patent in designing and manufacturing these transducers.