Use of Guided Waves for Monitoring Material Conditions in Fossil-Fuel Power Plants

Material properties of the lock plate, which covers the gas-turbine blade, are studied using ultrasonic guided waves. The lock plate is a crucial part of a gas-turbine power plant. The wave velocity and attenuation coefficient are measured to investigate the changes in the material properties under three heat-treatment conditions. Compared to the destructive mechanical tests, the material characterization of Inconel X-750 can be performed more efficiently and nondestructively by using ultrasonic guided waves; this characterization helps identify the changes occurring in its elastic moduli and Poisson's ratio under different heat-treatment conditions. The wave velocity and hardness of Inconel X-750 are proportional to each other. This nondestructive technique for the measurement of material properties can be widely used in various industries to avoid catastrophic failure. It is also expected that the guided-wave technique can be applied as a new cost-and time-saving inspection tool for longer and wider inspection ranges.