PHY02 Sound velocity in solids

Ultrasonic waves propagate in a medium with a material-dependent velocity, which can be frequency-dependent. In gases and liquids sound propagation only takes place in the form of longitudinal waves. In solids, on the other hand, due to their elastic properties, shear waves can also occur. Shear and longitudinal waves generally propagate at different velocity. The sound velocity of the longitudinal waves generated in a solid with perpendicular sound coupling can be simply determined by means of time of flight measurements using the pulse echo method. By using samples of different lengths and sound probes with different frequencies, the intention in the experiment is to make statements on the frequency dependence of the sound propagation and on sources of errors caused by the structure of the ultrasonic probes that are used.

Measured sound velocities in dependence on cylinder length and probe frequency

The sound velocities calculated from the times of flight measured show a systematic error, the influence of which becomes smaller as the measuring length is increased, and which is caused by the time of flight also measured in the protection/adaption layer of the probes. In this case, the 2 MHz probe possesses a thicker protection/adaption layer so that the sound velocities determined with it show a greater error. Using a difference calculation from two measurements with different sample lengths, this error can be eliminated (green line in the graphic, cL = 2750 m/s, same values for both frequencies, no dispersion).