NDT Services
UT Shear Wave
Shear wave (angle beam) ultrasonic testing is the primary volumetric method for weld examination, detecting cracks, lack of fusion, incomplete penetration, and slag inclusions within the weld volume.
An angled wedge refracts the sound beam into the material at a specific angle (typically 45, 60, or 70 degrees). The shear wave travels through the material on a predictable path, reflecting off the back wall and any discontinuities in between. The technician scans the weld from both sides, using multiple angles to achieve full volumetric coverage.
Shear wave UT detects cracks, lack of fusion, incomplete penetration, slag inclusions, porosity, and other volumetric and planar discontinuities within welds. It is particularly effective for detecting planar flaws oriented perpendicular to the sound beam that radiography might miss.
The primary application is weld examination in lieu of or in addition to radiography. Used extensively on structural steel, process piping, pressure vessels, pipeline girth welds, and storage tank shell welds. Also applied to wrought products and base material scanning.
Performed per ASME Section V Article 4, AWS D1.1 Section 6 Part F, AWS D1.5, API 1104, and ASTM E164. Calibration using IIW or DSC blocks with appropriate reference reflectors (side-drilled holes, notches) per the applicable code.
Angled beam inspection for detecting flaws in welds and joints.