Transforming ultrasonic research at The University of Huddersfield with xSCAN

Background

Dr. Olaide Olabode, Senior Research Fellow in Automation and Precision Engineering at The University of Huddersfield, leads research into residual stress distribution in welded joints, focusing on components made from steel and other metallic materials.

In order to measure the stress effectively, reliable temperature calibration across the entire component is essential, especially when working with large structures.

The challenge

Ultrasound was necessary to measure the material’s internal temperature, which was more useful than just measuring the surface temperature, as this will not provide representative results, particularly with large parts. However, to generate the precise measurements, an ultra-high-bandwidth acquisition device was required, which proved cost prohibitive.

The solution: xSCAN

The xSCAN offered a transformative solution: An ‘always-on’ ultrasonic transceiver with direct PC or gateway connectivity, its Human Machine Interface (HMI) allows continuous operation and real-time data analysis, which unlocks a range of benefits for ultrasonic research.

When Dr. Olabode discovered the xSCAN, he was pleasantly surprised that it was capable of providing high-resolution Time of Flight (ToF) measurement which is further enhanced by the on-board signal processing capabilities; thereby negating the need for an ultra-high-bandwidth acquisition device.

Despite being similarly priced to alternative systems, none matched the feature set of the xSCAN, with its unique API option being particularly attractive to Dr. Olabode. This, alongside its numerous configuration options, gave it an unrivalled level of flexibility to allow it to be customised exactly to his needs.

The result

Whilst the xSCAN was originally purchased to support a specific project, Dr. Olabode and the team have since found it useful for many purposes, becoming a core component of their ultrasound testing.

They use a combination of the onboard processing capability, alongside the API, which allows them to write their own code in MATLAB, enabling them to select the data they are interested in.

Furthermore, by being able to see the live data during tests, which can be up to 5 hours long, issues can be identified quickly allowing early termination when required, saving valuable time and resources.

‘The xSCAN has been a game-changer for us. Its technical ability is second to none and the flexibility to write our own code using the API has made it an essential piece of equipment for our research,’ said Dr Olabode

‘The support from Tribosonics in getting it set-up for our specific needs was excellent, as was the API documentation, which was very clear and easy to follow. We’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of ultrasonic research with this tool.’

Conclusion

The integration of the xSCAN into the University of Huddersfield’s ultrasonic research has unlocked new capabilities in temperature-sensitive measurement, enabling higher accuracy, greater flexibility, and broader application potential. With its advanced features and strong support infrastructure, the xSCAN is now a critical enabler of innovation in the university’s pursuit of advanced stress analysis in engineered materials.

For more information on the xSCAN, view the datasheet, or contact us.