This guide provides procedures for the application of contact straight-beam examination for the detection and quantitative evaluation of discontinuities in materials.

Although not all requirements of this guide can be applied universally to all inspections, situations, and materials, it does provide basis for establishing contractual criteria between the users, and may be used as a general guide for preparing detailed specifications for a particular application.

This guide is directed towards the evaluation of discontinuities detectable with the beam normal to the entry surface. If discontinuities or other orientations are of concern, alternate scanning techniques are required.

1.1 This guide covers procedures for the contact ultrasonic examination of bulk materials or parts by transmitting pulsed ultrasonic waves into the material and observing the indications of reflected waves. This guide covers only examinations in which one search unit is used as both transmitter and receiver (pulse-echo). This guide includes general requirements and procedures that may be used for detecting discontinuities, locating depth and distance from a point of reference and for making a relative or approximate evaluation of the size of discontinuities as compared to a reference standard.

1.2 This guide complements Practice E 114 by providing more detailed procedures for the selection and calibration of the inspection system and for evaluation of the indications obtained.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in brackets are for information only.

1.4 This guide does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish the appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.