CALCULATING WAVELENGTH

The following formula is used for determining Wavelength:

λ = V/f
(velocity) (frequency)

Example:
Let’s consider that we are using a .5” diameter 3mHz probe. The material that
we are testing is Aluminum, which has a longitudinal velocity of
.25 in./sec. x 106 or 250,000 inches per second.

Since longitudinal velocity and mHz are both expressed using 106, we can simply use the numbers we
are given in the examples as a shorthand method of calculation. .25 in./sec. x 106 for velocity and 3 x 106
for mHz are rendered .25 and 3 for use in the formula.

Using the above formula, we will make a simple calculation.

λ = V/f

.083” = .25/3 Our wavelength is .083”

(The longhand version would be 250,000/3,000,000 = .083”)

What can we do with this information?

With this knowledge, we can determine that the smallest indication that we will be able to
detect is approximately .0415 inches.

This is determined by dividing the wavelength by two.

Smallest Detectable Indication = λ/2

.083/2 = .0415 inches

 Using your worksheet and Ultrasonic Reference Data Sheet,
let’s do some practice calculations.

Wavelength Worksheet – Practice Problems

Calculate the wavelength and smallest detectable indication for the

following:

(Use the Longitudinal Velocity of each material)

1) Using a 5 mHz probe on Mild Steel

2) Using a 10 mHz probe on Beryllium

3) Using a 3 mHz probe on Mild Steel

4) Using a 2.25 mHz probe on Lead

5) Using a 5 mHz probe on Plexiglas

Longitudinal Wave vs. Shear Wave
Now let’s consider the difference between Longitudinal Wavelength (Straight Beam) and Shear
Wavelength (Angle Beam)

By looking at the Ultrasonic Reference Data Sheet, you will notice that the Shear Velocity is less than the
Longitudinal Velocity in any given material. For example, the Longitudinal Velocity for Mild Steel is .23 x
106 or 230,000 inches per second while the Shear Velocity for Mild Steel is .13 x 106 or 130,000 inches
per second.

This also produces a Shear Wavelength that is shorter than the wavelength produced for Longitudinal
(Straight Beam) Inspection, with all other factors remaining the same.

Example: The Longitudinal Wavelength using a 3 mHz probe in Aluminum is:

.25/3 = .083 inches

The Shear Wavelength produced using the same probe and material would be:

.12/3 = .04 inches

The shear wavelength in each case is generally half of the longitudinal wavelength.

Calculate the Wavelength for the problems below using the Shear Velocity from your
Ultrasonic Reference Data Sheet.

1) Using a 5 mHz probe on Mild Steel

2) Using a 10 mHz probe on Beryllium

3) Using a 3 mHz probe on Mild Steel

4) Using a 2.25 mHz probe on Lead

5) Using a 5 mHz probe on Plexiglas

Compare the results with the answers from the previous section. Your answers should
be approximately half the value of your previous answers.