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Published on: September 28, 2015
Ultrasonic attenuation-based assessment of interlayer slip in pre-tightened cushion structures
Chenjun Gao1, Zhanrui Yang2, Jinsong Yang3
1School of Reliability and Systems Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China; Advanced Manufacturing Center, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Beihang University, Ningbo 315800, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
This study introduces a new ultrasonic method to measure interlayer slip in metal-polymer interfaces. The technique accurately quantifies mixed contact states, crucial for understanding material behavior under stress.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Ultrasonic Testing
- Interface Mechanics
Background:
- Interlayer slip in pre-tightened metal-polymer interfaces alters local contact states.
- Current ultrasonic methods struggle to quantify spatially varying, sub-aperture mixed contact conditions.
- Accurate assessment of interfacial contact is vital for predicting material performance and failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultrasonic attenuation-based method for quantifying interfacial contact variations due to interlayer slip.
- To establish a quantitative link between ultrasonic attenuation and the normalized contact area of mixed interfaces.
- To validate the proposed method on both planar and curved pre-tightened cushion structures.
Main Methods:
- Development of an ultrasonic attenuation model incorporating area-averaged reflection and multiple-echo attenuation.
- Representation of mixed interfaces (polymer-contact and air gaps) using a normalized contact area parameter.
- Experimental validation using planar aluminum/silicone foam sandwich structures and spherical cushion structures.
Main Results:
- The developed method accurately assesses interfacial contact variations associated with interlayer slip.
- Prediction errors were below 15% for planar structures, with an a90/95 value of 0.45.
- The framework demonstrated applicability to curved geometries, confirming its versatility.
Conclusions:
- The ultrasonic attenuation-based approach provides a quantitative basis for inferring interlayer slip.
- This method advances the understanding and assessment of complex interfacial contact states in metal-polymer systems.
- The findings support improved non-destructive evaluation techniques for pre-tightened cushion structures.
