What is ultrasonic testing (UT)?

Ultrasonic testing (UT) is primarily recognized as a technique used to find component flaws or measure thicknesses. This method employs high-frequency sound waves that are transmitted into materials to detect imperfections such as cracks, voids, or inclusions. The sound waves travel through the material and, upon encountering a flaw, reflect back to the sensor, where the time taken for the echo to return is measured. This measurement can also be utilized to determine the thickness of materials, which is essential in applications where the integrity of the component is critical.

The focus of UT on detecting internal flaws and providing precise measurements aligns with its common use in safety inspections across various industries, such as aerospace, manufacturing, and construction. Thus, it serves as a vital non-destructive testing method that helps ensure the reliability and safety of components without causing any damage. The other options, while related to testing and inspection, do not accurately capture the primary function of ultrasonic testing.