Sonic Ring Test

A metal object, when struck, will ring (like a bell). Imperfections in the object such as cracks, inclusions and surface rust cause the decay of the ring amplitude to be more rapid i.e. It rings for a shorter time - and at an extreme, does not ring at all. I propose using this to rapidly identify individual links which have imperfections. The chain is supported between two supports, the profile of which orientates the chain such that only one side of each link will be in contact with a Piezo Transducer in the middle. As i've simulated in one of the renders, the Piezo transducer emits a pulse (or 'click') which is the equivalent of striking a bell. The same transducer is then used to listen to the noise of the chain link ringing. The ring duration for a damaged link will be shorter than a good link. Also, the frequency the link rings at (it's resonant frequency) will increase as the link wears - in the same way as a small bell rings at a higher frequency than a big one. By monitoring both the duration and frequency of the ringing, it should be possible to determine if the link is damaged or worn.