We develop measurement models and scattering models that allow us to predict the ultrasonic response from a side‐drilled hole (SDH). The scattering models considered include an explicit model based on the Kirchhoff approximation, as well as an “exact” separation of variables solution. Two measurement models are also derived. One allows for the variation of the incident fields over the cross‐section of the SDH while a simpler model neglects those variations. The predicted responses are compared with experimental signals. © 2004 American Institute of Physics