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Material hardness and ageing measurement using guided ultrasonic waves.
Nilesh Korde1, Tribikram Kundu
1Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
Ultrasonics
|October 11, 2012
Summary
Ultrasonic guided waves can measure material hardness, unlike wave speed. This study found guided wave attenuation inversely correlates with aluminum alloy hardness, offering a sensitive alternative to traditional hardness testing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Non-destructive Testing
- Acoustics
Background:
- Elastic properties are often measured using ultrasonic wave velocity.
- Material hardness is not directly obtainable from ultrasonic wave speed.
- Heat treatment and ageing alter material microstructure, affecting hardness and strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between ultrasonic guided wave attenuation and material hardness.
- To determine if guided wave attenuation can characterize material ageing and heat treatment duration.
- To compare the sensitivity of guided wave inspection with traditional hardness testing methods.
Main Methods:
- Six aluminum 2024 alloy plates underwent varying heat treatment durations at 150°C.
- Lamb waves were propagated through the specimens for non-destructive inspection.
- Rockwell hardness tests were conducted to validate ultrasonic findings.
Main Results:
- Lamb wave attenuation was found to be inversely related to material hardness.
- Ultrasonic inspection demonstrated higher sensitivity to heat treatment duration and ageing compared to Rockwell hardness testing.
- This study is the first to correlate guided wave attenuation with material hardness and ageing.
Conclusions:
- Guided wave inspection is a reliable and potentially superior method for characterizing the hardness and microstructure of heat-treated materials.
- Ultrasonic guided wave attenuation serves as a sensitive indicator of material ageing and heat treatment effects.
- The findings suggest a new avenue for non-destructive material characterization beyond elastic property determination.
