Numerical study of the use of focused ultrasound waves by the phased array method in the inspection of polyethylene pipe joints.

Inspection of polyethylene pipe connections is very important in various industries due to its many applications in water, gas, and chemical transmission networks. Among the non-destructive inspection methods, the ultrasonic method is the most suitable method for this type of connection. Due to the polymer material of these connections and a result of the high attenuation of the wave, this type of inspection is associated with challenges. Using the phased array ultrasonic inspection method due to the focus of the wave and creating high-energy points at the joints is an alternative solution to the usual ultrasonic inspection techniques.In this paper, using the finite element method, Ultrasonic inspection is simulated by the usual method and also by the phased array method for monitoring the connections of polyethylene pipes. some kinds of possible defects have been investigated and their effect on the reflection signal has been determined. Using the numerical method based on successive simulations, the reflection signal has been analyzed in the Phased array method. The results showed that the increase in the number of piezo increased the performance of the inspection as well as an increase in the concentration of the mechanical wave up to 160% for 32 elements and 270% for 64 elements compared to the probe with 16 piezoelectric elements.