Development of the new physical method for real time spot weld quality evaluation using ultrasound

Since the invention of resistance spot welding, the manufacturers have been concerned about the quality assurance of the joints. One of the most promising directions in quality inspection is the real time ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation. In such a system, the acoustic signals are sent through the spot weld during welding and then analyzed to characterize the quality of the joint. Many research groups are currently working to develop a reliable inspection method.;The current level of the system development allowed the installation of two prototype machines at one assembly plant. The technology is now under thorough evaluation for robustness and accuracy in an industrial environment.;In this dissertation the new physical method of resistance spot weld quality monitoring is presented. It differs from all other ultrasonic methods by the physical principles of inspection. The multilayered structure of the spot weld with varying physical properties is investigated with short pulses of longitudinal ultrasonic waves. Unlike other methods, the developed technology works in reflection mode. The waves bring back the information which, after careful analysis, can be used to evaluate the weld quality. The complex structure of the weldment modifies the waves in different ways which, makes it hard to accurately measure the physical properties of the weldment. The frequency-dependent attenuation of the sound, diffraction, and beam divergence - all contribute to the signal distraction. These factors are fully studied, and ways to minimize them are presented. After application of pattern recognition routines, the weld characteristics are submitted to fuzzy logic algorithm, and the weld is characterized.