1. What is UT Beam Spread?

UT Beam Spread refers to the angular divergence of an ultrasonic beam as it propagates through a material. It is a critical parameter in ultrasonic testing that affects resolution and detection capabilities.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the beam spread formula:

Where:

• Transducer Diameter — Size of the transducer element (inches)
• Frequency — Ultrasonic frequency (MHz)
• Velocity — Sound velocity in the material (inches per microsecond)

Explanation: The formula calculates the beam spread angle which determines how much the ultrasonic beam diverges as it travels through the material.

3. Importance of Beam Spread Calculation

Details: Accurate beam spread calculation is crucial for determining the resolution of ultrasonic testing, identifying defect sizes, and ensuring proper inspection coverage in non-destructive testing applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter transducer diameter in inches, frequency in MHz, and velocity in inches per microsecond. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is beam spread important in ultrasonic testing?
A: Beam spread affects the ability to detect small defects and determine their accurate size and location within a material.

Q2: How does frequency affect beam spread?
A: Higher frequencies generally result in less beam spread, providing better resolution but reduced penetration depth.

Q3: What are typical velocity values for common materials?
A: Steel: ~0.233 in/μs, Aluminum: ~0.248 in/μs, Water: ~0.058 in/μs. Values vary with material properties.

Q4: Does transducer size affect beam spread?
A: Yes, larger transducers typically produce less beam spread than smaller ones at the same frequency.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This formula provides an approximation. Actual beam spread can be affected by material attenuation, transducer characteristics, and near-field effects.