Detection of dimensions of axisymmetric surface defects located on the pipe using the first order symmetric torsional guided waves

Nowadays, ultrasonic guided waves are widely used in non-destructive inspection of pipelines due to their high accuracy and speed. One of the advantages of using the symmetric modes of guided waves is simplicity in propagation and easier interpretation of the results. This has led to their significant use in the inspection of pipelines. Depending on the type of damage, defects can appear on the surface of pipe in different forms such as cracks, cavities, porosity, etc. In this paper, by using the propagation of the first-order torsional symmetric mode, symmetric defects in the different dimensions and sizes are investigated. The various factors such as the excitation frequency, the thickness of pipe and position of the defects are investigated to determine the effect of each on the reflection. Also, in this study, the reflection coefficients for the defects with different sizes have been calculated and their related diagrams have been drawn to use them for estimating the geometric dimensions of symmetrical defects. Finally, with the study of reflection coefficients, it is observed that the excitation frequency, the thickness of pipe and position of the defects can be considered as factors that affecting the reflected wave reflection.