Ultrasonic transducers have many applications, including biomedical, non-destructive testing (NDT), and sonar. In NDT applications, the ultrasonic waves produced by these transducers can inspect and examine surfaces with great sensitivity, producing no damage to the component. Ultrasonic transducers can be enormously accurate when locating flaws, as well as providing a clearer picture of the component as a whole.

Ultrasonic transducers, like all transducers, convert one form of energy into another. In this case, the main active element of the transducer converts sound waves into mechanical or electrical energy, depending on the desired application. NDT applications depend on ultrasonic transducers to inspect a variety of components, including gas pipelines.

Types of Ultrasonic Transducers

When examining a material for imperfections using an ultrasonic transducer, sound waves are transmitted into the component using one of several methods. Contact transducers transmit high-frequency sound waves from a perpendicular angle. They can often detect hollows and cracks, as well as determine thickness.

Another type of ultrasonic transducer, which does not involve contact with the test material, is the immersion transducer. This device uses a water tank system or a water column to improve the sensitivity and resolution of the sound waves. These and other types of ultrasonic transducers can be used with a number of test materials, including metals, glass, plastics, and rubber.