In-process detection of weld defects using laser-based ultrasound
Stephen W. Kercel, R.A. Kisner, Marvin B. Klein, Gerald D. Bacher, Bruno F. Pouet · Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 1999
Laser-based ultrasonic (LBU) measurement shows great promise for on-line monitoring of weld quality in tailor-welded blanks. Tailor-welded blanks are steel blanks made from plates of differing thicknesses and/or properties butt- welded together, they are used in automobile manufacturing to produce body, frame, and closure panels. LBU uses a pulsed laser to generate the ultrasound and a continuous wave laser interferometer to detect the ultrasound at the point of interrogation to perform ultrasonic inspection. LBU enables in-process measurements since there is no sensor contact or near-contact with the workpiece.