Ultrasonic phase array and eddy current methods for diagnostics of flaws in friction stir welds

Abstract

The feasibility of the defect detection in friction stir welds of aluminum alloys with the use of two different non-destructive testing (NDT) methods has been studied. We have used the following NDT techniques: ultrasonic phase array and eddy current methods. A metallographic examination was chosen as the third method. The weld flaws such as kissing bond boundaries, lack of penetration, voids and cracks have been successfully detected using the ultrasonic phase array technique. The eddy current method enabled the detection of a weld root flaw.