Analysis of Bond Quality by Resonant Ultrasound

Analysis of the response of small samples of materials to mechanical excitations at ultrasonic frequencies (resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, or RUS) can yield much information about the sample, including its geometry, density (densities, if composite), and elastic constants. (1–5) In this paper, we sketch the experimental technique, the method by which the data can be analyzed, and extend the analysis to samples which comprise two different materials bonded together. In the latter case the technique can give information about the composition of the sample and bond integrity (i.e. whether or not displacements and stresses are continuous across the interface). Comparison of calculated with measured frequencies for a bonded sample will be made