Treatise on Materials Science and Technology, Volume 3: Ultrasonic Investigation of Mechanical Properties summarizes the studies of mechanical properties by acoustic methods. Aside from a comprehensive examination of acoustic-mechanical phenomena, fundamental concepts and applications are discussed. Topics covered range from linear and nonlinear elastic waves to energy loss from elastic waves (ultrasonic attenuation). Comprised of four chapters, this volume begins with an introduction to the theory of linear elastic wave propagation, focusing on wave speeds and particle displacements as well as energy flux, isotropic solids, and cubic crystals. Plane waves propagating along [110] and in arbitrary directions are also considered, together with optical visualization of ultrasonic waves and measurement of linear elastic properties. The next chapter is devoted to nonlinear elastic waves and measurement of their elastic properties, with emphasis on how velocity measurements of elastic waves may be used to determine mechanical properties of solid materials. The final chapter analyzes the various mechanisms by which energy can be lost from ultrasonic waves propagating through real solids and how measurement of the amount of this energy loss can yield valuable information about the mechanical properties of the solid. This monograph is intended for professional scientists and engineers, as well as graduate students in materials science and associated fields.
