Current applications and future trends in phased array technology

Phased array ultrasonic probes containing multiple elements are becoming increasingly used for non-destructive testing applications. Although the technology has been around for over 40 years and its potential for welds inspection has been widely reported in the literature, its capabilities and limitations are still not widely known. This paper gives an overview of current applications and future trends in phased array technology. The physical principle and historical background of phased array technology is presented together with an introduction to different types of probes. Modelling is also discussed, and common as well as less known applications of phased array inspections are highlighted. Views on future trends and potential developments are also offered.