Probe approach for DGS sizing

1. An ultrasonic detection assembly for detecting a characteristic in a test object, the ultrasonic detection assembly including:

a phased array probe positioned in proximity to a peripheral surface of the test object, the phased array probe including a plurality of adjacent transducer elements collectively configured to provide an inspection surface extending substantially parallel to a direction along which the test object extends, each transducer being operatively configured to emit a respective beam into the test object so as to provide a pattern of constructive interference such that the phased array probe is providing a single, rotationally symmetric sound beam into the test object, the phased array probe being configured to move the sound beam within a range of angles from the phased array probe and bounded by a first beam position extending in a first direction from the phased array probe and a second beam position extending in a second, different direction from the phased array probe within the test object to detect the characteristic.

2. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the phased array probe is non-movably positioned in proximity to the peripheral surface of the test object as the sound beam moves within the range of angles from the phased array probe and bounded by the first beam position and the second beam position.

3. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of transducer elements are linearly segmented.

4. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of transducer elements are arranged as a matrix.

5. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 4 , wherein the matrix includes an 8×8 matrix.

6. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 4 , wherein within the matrix formed of the plurality of transducer elements, a generally circular grouping formed from the transducer elements is configured to transmit the sound beam.

7. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 6 , wherein the generally circular grouping formed from the transducer elements is configured to generate and transmit the sound beam, the sound beam being movable along a three dimensional direction within the test object.

8. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 1 , further including an adjustment structure positioned between the phased array probe and the test object.

9. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 8 , wherein the adjustment structure includes a first surface that substantially matches a shape of an inspection surface of the phased array probe and an opposing second surface that substantially matches a shape of the peripheral surface of the test object.

10. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sound beams include longitudinal waves.

11. An ultrasonic detection assembly for detecting a characteristic in a test object, the ultrasonic detection assembly including:

a phased array probe positioned in proximity to a peripheral surface of the test object, the phased array probe including a plurality of transducer elements, each transducer being operatively configured to emit a respective beam into the test object so as to provide a pattern of constructive interference such that the phased array probe transmits a single, rotationally symmetric sound beam into the test object, the phased array probe being configured to move the sound beam along at least a two dimensional direction within the test object within a range of angles from the phased array probe and bounded by a first beam position extending in a first direction from the phased array probe and a second beam position extending in a second, different direction from the phased array probe to detect the characteristic;

wherein at least some of the plurality of transducer elements are in contact with the peripheral surface of the test object.

12. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 11 , wherein the phased array probe is non-movably positioned in proximity to the peripheral surface of the test object as the sound beam moves within the range of angles from the phased array probe and bounded by the first beam position and the second beam position.

13. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of transducer elements are linearly segmented.

14. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of transducer elements are arranged as a matrix.

15. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 14 , wherein within the matrix formed of the plurality of transducer elements, a generally circular grouping formed from the transducer elements are configured to transmit the sound beam.

16. The ultrasonic detection assembly of claim 15 , wherein the generally circular grouping formed from the transducer elements is configured to generate and transmit the sound beam, the sound beam being movable along a three dimensional direction within the test object.

17. A method of detecting a characteristic in a test object with an ultrasonic detection assembly, the method including the steps of:

positioning a phased array probe in proximity to a peripheral surface of the test object including providing the phased array probe to include a plurality of adjacent transducer elements collectively configured to provide an inspection surface extending substantially parallel to a direction along which the test object extends, each transducer being operatively configured to emit a respective beam into the test object so as to provide a pattern of constructive interference, an inspection surface of the phased array probe extending substantially parallel to a direction along which the test object extends;

transmitting a sound beam from the phased array probe into the test object, including emitting beams from transducers so as to provide the constructive interference and so that the sound beam from the phased array probe is a single, rotationally symmetric sound beam; and

moving the sound beam within the test object within a range of angles from the phased array probe and bounded by a first beam position extending in a first direction from the phased array probe and a second beam position extending in a second, different direction from the phased array probe to detect the characteristic.

18. The method of claim 17 , the step of moving the sound beam includes moving the sound beam along a three dimensional direction within the test object.