Ultrasonic Bolt Measurement

Likewise, many critical applications also demand that bolt preload be monitored over the service life of the fastener as part of a predictive or preventative maintenance program. In these applications, ultrasonic measurement of fastener elongation and/or load has frequently proven to be the most accurate, reliable and cost effective solution.

Ultrasonic measurement of bolt preload is made possible by introducing a sonic pulse at one end of the fastener and accurately measuring the time of flight (TOF) required for the echo to return from the opposite end; using material constants, the USM-II converts this TOF into an "ultrasonic length" of the fastener, providing a baseline from which future measurements will be made. When the fastener is tightened, the TOF increases and the USM-II will again utilize material constants to eliminate the effects of stress and temperature variations on sound velocity, providing an accurate elongation or load measurement.

The USM-II uses state of the art hardware and software to achieve these measurements with maximum automation, and minimizes the need for operator interpretation. Offering digital recordation and transmission of data, as well as calibrated analog signal output the USM-II provides a complete system for measurement, recordation, and control of fastener tension in the most demanding applications.