Quantitative Ultrasonic Nondestructive Evaluation Methods

Quantitative ultrasonic techniques for determining the serviceability of structural components are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of forward and inverse elastic wave scattering theory as a fundamental foundation for predicting such engineering parameters as the probability of flaw detection and for developing improved techniques for flaw sizing. Ultrasonic measurement techniques for the determination of distributed failure-related properties such as residual stresses are discussed, and the status of the prediction of failure by the detection of acoustic emission precursors is reviewed.