1.1 This practice covers measurement procedures for evaluating certain characteristics of ultrasonic search units (also known as “probes”) that are used with ultrasonic testing instrumentation. This practice describes means for obtaining performance data that may be used to define the acoustic and electric responses of ultrasonic search units.

1.2 The procedures are designed to measure search units as individual components (separate from the ultrasonic test instrument) using commercial search unit characterization systems or using laboratory instruments such as signal generators, pulsers, amplifiers, oscilloscopes, and waveform analyzers.

1.3 The procedures are applicable to manufacturing acceptance and incoming inspection of new search units or to periodic performance evaluation of search units throughout their service life.

1.4 The procedures in Annex A1 - Annex A6 are generally applicable to ultrasonic search units operating within the 0.4 to 10 MHz range. Annex A7 is applicable to higher frequency immersion search unit evaluation. Annex A8 describes a practice for measuring sound beam profiles in metals from contact straight-beam search units. Additional Annexes, such as sound beam profiling for angle-beam search units in metal and alternate means for search unit characterization, will be added when developed.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.