Flexible wedge

CIVA provides the capability to model ultrasonic probes equipped with flexible wedges. This technology is based on a flexible membrane filled with a coupling material that adapts to the surface of the inspected component. In this way, flexible probes can offer superior performance compared to rigid wedge probes, especially when inspecting complex and irregular parts.

In CIVA, the flexible wedge option can be found under “Probe” > “Wedge” > “Geometry” > “Rigidity”.

 

 

Once the flexible option is selected, the color of the probe will turn blue in the 3D view, and the wedge will adapt to the surface so that the emergence point is in contact with the part, as illustrated below.

 

 

Note: The probe modeling parameters (in the “Probe” panel) are the same for both flexible and rigid wedges. However, the positioning options for a flexible wedge probe are the same as those for immersion inspection, offering more possibilities.