The use of the continuous and discrete wavelet analysis for investigation and filtering of acoustic signals and fields is considered. Special attention is paid to the application of wavelet filtering for improving the quality of the visualization of flaws. Wavelet contour plots, a new method for representing information, are introduced. This technique simplifies the determination of conventional dimensions of flaws.
INTRODUCTIONDuring the last decade, state-of-the-art methods for ultrasonic nondestructive testing have been mainly developed on the basis of comprehensive investigation of the structure of acoustic fields, and approaches to the methods used for the analysis and calculation of fields have been significantly improved. This advancement has enabled the successful use of new types of ultrasonic generators and sources of acoustic radiation. Wide-aperture and multielement transducers and phased arrays are examples of promising new devices for inspection and testing. They enabled the improvement of the methods used to determine dimensions of flaws and reconstruct their shape and spatial orientation. It is now possible to visualize flaws: this is one of the most reliable methods for obtaining objective information about flaws. The devices by which visualization is implemented feature a set of unique properties including high spatial and temporal resolution and the capacity to detect ultrasonic signals of different types and with different wavelengths.Ultrasonic laser interferometry is widely used to visualize acoustic fields [1]. Owing to the combination of the properties described above, the use of broadband receivers has virtually become a must. An increased output-noise level is known to be a drawback of using broadband receivers. It is relevant to note that the traditional methods of filtering, which use differences in the spectra of the wanted signal and of noise, have low efficiency if a high signal-to-noise ratio, broadbandness, and a high temporal resolution are required. At the same time, accurate quantitative characteristics of acoustic fields and signals are needed for obtaining objective information about flaws. Owing to this circumstance, the use of state-of-the-art methods for analysis and processing of signals has become an urgent task for the development of ultrasonic nondestructive testing.The application of wavelets for the analysis and filtering of signals may be considered the most suitable and user-friendly approach to the problem. A continuous wavelet transform (see [2]) makes it possible to conduct a spatial and temporal analysis of the signal, i.e., to determine whether particular frequency components are present in the analyzed signal at different moments. The application of this method enables the quantitative determination of frequencies and the search for modulations and relations between oscillations with different periods. The use of the continuous wavelet analysis for ultrasonic nondestructive testing is considered in [3,4]. In addition to the advantages described above, the met...