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Material’s secrets revealed with ultrasound scans of elasticity matrix

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Researchers at Nottingham University have developed SRAS, a new technique that evaluates a material’s elasticity matrix by measuring the speed of sound across the material’s surface.

elasticity matrix
Diagram of SRAS laser ultrasound system: The high-energy pulse of light from the laser creates a sound wave that travels along the surface of the material. Precisely measuring the speed of this wave allows the crystal orientation and elasticity to be measured (Image: Nottingham University)

Claimed to be a world first, the innovation uses high-frequency ultrasound to produce microscopic resolution images of the microstructure and maps the relationship between stresses and strains in the material (the elasticity matrix). By precisely measuring the speed of sound across the surface of these crystals, their orientation and the elasticity of the material can be revealed.

According to Nottingham University, this EPSRC-funded technology is starting to be used in fields such as aerospace to understand the performance of new materials and manufacturing processes. The advance will also launch a new field of research as the technique is used as a completely new way to evaluate materials for improving safety in systems such as jet engine turbine blades, or in developing new designer alloys with tailored stiffness.

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