We describe diffraction effects in ultrasonic group velocity estimation using an insertion technique. We characterize the estimation error produced by diffraction as a function of distance and nominal velocity values. A new method termed Group Velocity Diffraction Correction (GVDC) which corrects for the diffraction effect is presented. Experimental validation of the technique is also presented using measurements made with both 1 MHz and 500 kHz ultrasonic transducer pairs. The results demonstrate that diffraction effects on ultrasonic group velocity estimation are usually small, and may often be neglected. Significant improvement, up to about 50%, in the accuracy of the group velocity estimate can however be obtained using the method described here in those cases in which higher degrees of accuracy are required.
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