Visualization of phased-array sound fields and flaw interaction using the photoelastic effect

In order to visualize ultrasound in steel the photoelastic imager is a complementary technique to simulations, with the advantage that real transducers are used. In this contribution we show the linear behavior of the derived photoelastic signal and compare the results to FEM calculations. We use the result for quantitative analysis of sound-fields of immersion and phased array transducers. Interesting results are derived by analysis of the influence of missing elements on the shape and intensity of phased array (PA) ultrasonic pulses. Furthermore the formation of grating lobes from PA excitation is demonstrated and the plurality of waves generated from a small notch is displayed exemplarily.