What type of testing utilizes sound waves to detect defects in materials?

Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive testing method that employs high-frequency sound waves to identify flaws in materials. In this approach, sound waves are transmitted into the material being tested. If there are any defects, such as cracks or inclusions, the sound waves will reflect back, which can be detected and analyzed by the testing equipment. This method is particularly effective for detecting internal flaws and is widely used in various industries, including aerospace, to ensure the integrity of components.

The technique is advantageous because it can assess the thickness of materials, locate flaws that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye, and can be performed on complex geometries without requiring a surface preparation that is necessary for some other testing methods. The ability to penetrate deep into materials and the precision with which it can detect and characterize defects make ultrasonic testing a critical tool in quality assurance and maintenance in aviation and other fields.