To solve the problem of low image quality and defect identification difficulty when using ultrasonic phased array to inspect train wheel rim,the sound pressure characteristics of phased array transducer were ana-lyzed.Besides,the suitable detection depth was obtained as well.The effects of the rim contact surface and cou-pling status for the image quality were analyzed.An ultrasonic phased array inspection experiment was carried out on a wheel rim test block.Taking a horizontal hole and a slot as defect examples,the echo amplitude chan-ging characteristic and image quality were studied.By comp...