Ultrasonics - Part 12. Fundamentals of ultrasonic phased arrays

Full understanding of ultrasonic phased arrays is very complicated. In view of this, an attempt is made to establish understanding of the fundamentals, allowing the interested practitioner to begin to access other resources to extend this understanding according to their choice. First, a short review of conventional ultrasound probes and the basis of ultrasound from first principles is given as a foundation for discussion of arrays. This foundation is then developed to take into account differences between conventional probes and ultrasonic arrays. The way an array works with electronics is described and the flexibility this provides for the nondestructive testing (NDT) practitioner is emphasized. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of ultrasonic arrays and their reasons are outlined.