Damage imaging of a U-shaped boom using improved periodic permanent magnet electromagnetic acoustic transducers

In this research, to solve the problem of the ultrasonic guided wave inspection of a U-shaped boom, an improved periodic permanent magnet electromagnetic acoustic transducer (PPM EMAT) is proposed for defect detection for a U-shaped boom. The acoustic field distribution range of a traditional PPM EMAT is approximately +/- 20 degrees, and the energy distribution is relatively concentrated. By adjusting the tilt angle between adjacent magnets and coils of a traditional PPM EMAT, an improved PPM EMAT is proposed. The acoustic field distribution range of the improved PPM EMAT is approximately +/- 30 degrees, and the energy distribution in this range is relatively uniform. The simulation and experimental results show that the improved PPM EMAT has superior frequency response characteristics and acoustic field directivity, which is suitable for detecting large and complex structures. Furthermore, based on the traditional PPM EMAT and the improved PPM EMAT array, combined with the reconstruction algorithm for the probabilistic inspection of damage (RAPID), the damage locations of the double-hole defects of a U-shaped boom are studied. It is shown that the imaging results for defect location using the improved PPM EMATs are better than those found using the traditional PPM EMATs.

Automated summary

An improved periodic permanent magnet electromagnetic acoustic transducer (PPM EMAT) is proposed for defect detection of a U-shaped boom. The improved PPM EMAT has a wider acoustic field distribution range and more uniform energy distribution. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the improved PPM EMAT has superior frequency response characteristics and acoustic field directivity, making it suitable for detecting large and complex structures.