Seeing sound

Imagine being able to spot flaws in a rollercoaster, railway line, or power station before disaster strikes - all without laying a finger on them.

Sounds like sci-fi? Welcome to the world of non-destructive testing, where engineers use sound to uncover hidden dangers like cracks and corrosion.

The standard method of ultrasound testing involves the same gel couplant used in medical ultrasounds, but researchers are seeking out more optimal alternatives.

But what if we could ditch the gel and make sounds using electricity or lasers instead? Or better yet - what if we could see sound ripple through a structure, interacting with defects in real time?

Physicist Rachel Edwards will explore new ways of generating and detecting sound, and the tantalizing possibility of developing a “sound VISOR” to help visualise sound and revolutionise engineering.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and agree to the Ri's event terms and conditions.

Event image by cottonbro studio via Pexels