Ultrasonic phased array technology for the non-destructive testing of marble sculptures. (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tiefensee, Frank; Weber, Peter; Kunz, Simon; Pamplona, Marisa; Simon, Stefan
• Is Part Of: Studies in conservation. Volume 62:Number 1(2017)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 60
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Phased array ultrasound system -- Marble -- Marble sculpture -- Non-destructive testing -- Imaging; Art objects -- Conservation and restoration -- Periodicals; 700.288
• DOI: 10.1080/00393630.2016.1141538
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-3630

Abstract

Abstract : The medical ultrasonic phased array technology was modified for the non-destructive testing of marble sculptures and the feasibility of the approach was evaluated. For this purpose, 1 MHz, 64-channel phased array electronic and phased array transducers were developed. The specifications of the electronics and the transducers are presented and discussed. Ultrasound images of inner structures of a marble sculpture are presented. The problem of the acoustic matching layers for different states of deterioration is discussed and the developments in view of a suitable matching layer solution are presented. This matching layer is combined with a new coupling technique that protects the marble surface. The results of experiments on ultrasound phantoms and on a marble sculpture are presented.