Assuring the quality and correctness of welds is
of great importance to nuclear industry. Strict safety requirements are leading
to increased demands for the inspection and maintenance of such components.
This study analyses ultrasonic beams behaviour
depending on the grain orientation of the weld. The grain orientation has been
defined using different mathematical models (Lanrenberg, Schmitz, Ogilvy).
Based on the mathematical models, beams
generated by conventional and phased-array transducers (linear and matrix) have
been analysed. CIVA software, a specific ultrasonic tool, has been used for
that purpose, and the results obtained have been validated in the laboratory
using simulated transducers.
The
results determine Ogilvy as the best grain orientation approximation.
