Final answer:
Using guided waves in the frequency range of 10kHz to 100 kHz for ultrasonic testing (UT) likely reduces sensitivity compared to higher-frequency localized testing, due to the longer wavelengths associated with lower frequencies that limit the detection of finer details.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the use of guided waves in the frequency range of 10kHz to 100 kHz for ultrasonic testing (UT), it is known that using lower frequencies than those typically used for higher resolution scans (e.g., 7 MHz for abdominal scans) would generally reduce sensitivity compared to localized testing. This is because the finer details that can be resolved are limited to sizes on the order of the wavelength of the probing wave, and lower frequencies yield longer wavelengths. Therefore, using guided waves within 10kHz to 100kHz would lead to a reduction in the ability to detect small discontinuities compared to higher frequencies.
High-frequency ultrasound allows for greater detail due to the shorter wavelength, but penetration depth is compromised. For instance, while a 7 MHz ultrasound may provide details as fine as 1 mm in practice, it penetrates only about 0.11 m into tissue. Conversely, guided waves at lower frequencies, such as 10kHz to 100 kHz, would have longer wavelengths and thus would not achieve the same level of detail, but they could offer deeper penetration into the material being tested.