Some aspects of using piezoelectric probes for ultrasonic inspection of thin welded joints

The choice of parameters of dedicated piezoelectric probes is considered with allowance for a surface wave arising at probe angles close to the second critical angle. Recommendations are given for the choice of optimal probe angles and probe x-values. Examples are given to show the application of the dedicated probes, the choice of their type, and the parameters (frequency, probe angle, x-value) for the inspection of butt-welded joints of tubes on the beating surfaces of boilers at thermoelectric power stations.