This practice provides general principles for the application of the Time-of-Flight Diffraction Technique as a tool for detection and sizing of discontinuities.

TOFD is a nondestructive ultrasonic examination technique that is not based on amplitude response. However, sufficient sensitivity is required to identify indications for evaluation.

Techniques used are typically applied to welded joints in carbon steel but the principles may be applicable to other applications including other materials with suitable validation procedures agreeable to the contracting parties.

In addition to a stand-alone ultrasonic detection technique TOFD may be used in conjunction with weld examinations such as those described in Practices E 164 and E 1961 where it may be used to improve sizing estimates of flaws detected by the manual or mechanized pulse-echo techniques and help discriminate between flaws and geometric reflectors.

The technique has proven effective on thicknesses from 9 to 300 mm [0.375 to 12 in.]. TOFD has been used on thicknesses outside of this range but special considerations are necessary. Techniques developed outside of this range of thickness shall be demonstrated as capable of meeting the required detection and sizing requirements of the specification used.

1.1 This practice establishes the requirements for developing ultrasonic examination procedures using the ultrasonic technique known as Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD).

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Inch-pound units are provided for information.

1.3 Consistent with ASTM Policy, TOFD may be regarded as an ultrasonic test method whereby the qualities and characteristics of the item tested are evaluated, measured and in some cases identified. Measurements may be subject to precision and bias that may be determined statistically or as a function of some parameter(s) such as wavelength. This practice may be used for applications that would be qualitative and properly addressed as examinations as well as quantitative and more properly addressed as tests.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.