PhD student 2017 intake

University: University of Warwick

Industrial partner: NDEvR

Background: BEng in Control Technology and Instruments at Xiamen University (China), graduating in 2015. MSc in Mechatronics at University of Bath, graduating in 2016.

Electromagnetic acoustic transducers for focused ultrasound inspection

There is a push in industry for increasing the resolution for imaging defects in order to find smaller cracks before they become critical, or for inspection in areas where even a sub-mm size crack can cause a problem. One option for improving resolution is to use focused ultrasound waves. This can give a high amplitude wave at a defect without requiring extremely high powers, and provides a much smaller focal spot size over which the sample is inspected.

This project will take the idea of focusing to the next level by looking at different generation and detection modalities. To enhance the signals, multiple focused EMAT coils will be produced, with phased pulsing in order to build up a strong focused wave. This will require development of new transducers, as well as design of the electronics required for such operation. Focusing within the bulk of a material is also possible, and this project will look at the potential for improved resolution in bulk wave inspection.