ASTM B594-97

1.1 This practice covers the requirements for pulse-echo ultrasonic inspection and includes criteria used to define applicable quality levels of aluminum-alloy wrought products for aerospace applications when performance of the ultrasonic test by the producer is specified, or when ultrasonic inspection is performed by the purchaser upon receipt.

1.2 This practice is not applicable if plastic deformation is introduced into the material after delivery.

1.3 The ultrasonic test described in this practice is employed to detect internal discontinuities oriented in a direction parallel to, or nearly parallel to, the surface of the product. The test is performed either by the immersion method or the contact method using pulsed longitudinal waves which are transmitted and received by a search unit containing either a single crystal or a combination of electrically interconnected multiple crystals. Ultrasonic tests employing either the through-transmission or the angle-beam techniques are not included.

Note 1—Ultrasonic tests employing angle-beam techniques require special reference blocks, search units, and scanning procedures and are subject to negotiation between the purchaser and the seller when such tests are required by the contract or purchase order.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units which are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 This standard 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 standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.