Ultrasonic testing of metal-matrix composite materials

摘要

The mechanical properties of a metal matrix composite material e.g. a bar 12 depend upon both the proportion of filler and the proportion of voids or pores. The filler proportion and the porosity can be assessed non-destructively by causing ultrasonic waves to propagate through a specimen, and measuring both the wave velocity and attenuation in the specimen. These measured values are compared (for example graphically) with those obtained with material of known filler volume fraction and porosity, and hence the unknown values determined. The apparatus 10 includes a tank 14 containing water 16 (as a coupling fluid). The tank has leaky seals 18. Two transducers 20, 22 are provided and a computer 24 is used to provide the results. IMAGE