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Lewis' Ultrasonic Imaging Technology Helps
American Manufacturer of Nondestructive Evaluation
Equipment Become More Competitive in the Global
Market
Background
Sonix, Inc., of Springfield, Virginia, has implemented ultrasonic imaging methods developed at
the NASA Lewis Research Center. These methods have heretofore been unavailable on
commercial ultrasonic imaging systems and provide significantly more sensitive material
characterization than conventional high-resolution ultrasonic c-scanning. The technology transfer
is being implemented under a cooperative agreement (NCC3-385) between NASA and Sonix,
and several invention disclosures have been submitted by Dr. Roth to protect Lewis interests.
Sonix has developed ultrasonic imaging systems used worldwide for microelectronics, materials
research, and commercial nondestructive evaluation (NDE). In 1993, Sonix won the U.S.
Department of Commerce "Excellence in Exporting" award.
Lewis chose to work with Sonix for two main reasons: (1) Sonix is an innovative leader in
ultrasonic imaging systems, and (2) Sonix was willing to apply the improvements we developed
with our in-house Sonix equipment. This symbiotic joint effort has produced mutual benefits.
Sonix recognized the market potential of our new and highly sensitive methods for ultrasonic
assessment of material quality. We, in turn, see the cooperative effort as an effective means for
transferring our technology while helping to improve the product of a domestic firm.
Significance
The Lewis-developed methods being implemented by Sonix significantly enhance the materials
characterization by ultrasonic imaging. Among the benefits of the Lewis methods is that it
eliminates the effects of sample thickness variations. This isolates ultrasonic variations due to
material microstructure and overcomes quality control problems during materials processing.
Cost savings can be realized because the ultrasonic image can be correctly interpreted without
additional machining to control sample thickness. Another benefit of our methods is that velocity
variations may, in part, be imaged by ultrasound. This allows the quantitative characterization of
microstructural factors, density gradients, and associated mechanical properties. These attributes
constitute a major improvement over the capabilities of conventional ultrasonic methods.
Status
Sonix' implementation of Lewis-developed methods is currently being beta-tested at Lewis. It is
expected to be available for distribution to other Sonix system users by February 1996.
Find out more about Lewis' technology transfer programs.
Lewis contact: Dr. Don J. Roth, (216) 433-6017
Headquarters program office: OA
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Last updated April 16, 1996
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