Laser ultrasonics measurement of elastic constants of composites

A novel technique for measuring the ultrasonic velocities and the elastic constants of composites is described. The technique is based on the generation of ultrasound by a laser and on the detection of the first stress-wave arrival with an optical interferometer. The technique is applied to a composite of tungsten carbide and cobalt spherical particles embedded in a steel matrix. Conventional techniques are not applicable in this case. The results are compared to several known theoretical models. It is shown also that poor densification can be detected.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye