Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Practice Test

With a 10MHz circular faced contact longitudinal transducer, how do the sound waves propagate?

1. In a straight line only

2. With a circulatory or bow wave front

3. Radially outward

4. In a cone shape

The correct answer is: With a circulatory or bow wave front

The correct answer highlights that with a circular faced contact longitudinal transducer operating at 10MHz, the sound waves propagate with a circulatory or bow wave front. This phenomenon occurs because of the way the circular face of the transducer generates and emits sound waves. The vibrations in the transducer create waves that expand outward in a circular motion, forming a bow wave front. As sound energy is transmitted, it diverges from the central point of the transducer, leading to a wave front that is not just linear but rather has a circular profile as it travels through the medium. The frequency of 10MHz also contributes to the characteristics of the wave front, as higher frequencies tend to create more direct and concentrated energy propagation pathways in comparison to lower frequencies. This understanding of wave propagation is essential in non-destructive testing (NDT) as it affects how sound waves interact with materials being tested and can influence detection of flaws and defects.