Analytical methods for simulation of ultrasonic testing of complex media on a personal computer

Modern structural materials mostly exhibit anisotropic elastic behavior len ding to complicated wave propagation phenomena. To ensure the reliability o f ultrasonic nondestructive testing techniques, these material properties, as well as the influence of microstructural inhomogeneities and the effects of nonplanar surfaces and interfaces on ultrasonic wave propagation, have to be taken into account. In this respect, mathematical modeling provides a n efficient method of assisting analysis. This paper presents two analytica l approaches that are well suited for performing ultrasonic wave propagatio n and scattering simulations for complex structured media on a personal com puter. Results for both isotropic materials, including curved interfaces, a nd for anisotropic media, such as composites and weld material, are present ed. The simulation of transducer field profiles, the propagation of time de pendent rf signals and the scattering of ultrasound at discontinuities are addressed.