Acoustic wave propagation in disordered microscale granular media under compression

Abstract

We investigate the effect of dynamic and uniaxial static loading on the wave speeds and rise times of laser generated acoustic waves traveling through a disordered, multilayer aggregate of 2 $$\mu {\mathrm {m}}$$ diameter silica microspheres, where the excited dynamic amplitudes are estimated to approach the level of the static overlap between the particles caused by adhesion and externally applied loads. Two cases are studied: a case where the as-fabricated particle network is retained, and a case where the static load has been increased to the point where the aggregate collapses and a rearrangement of the particle network occurs. We observe increases in wave speeds with static loading significantly lower than, and in approximate agreement with, predictions from models based on Hertzian contact mechanics for the pre- and post-collapse states, respectively. The measured rise time of the leading pulse is found to decrease with increasing static load in both cases, which we attribute to decreased scattering and stiffening of the contact network. Finally, we observe an increase in wave speed with increased excitation amplitude that depends on static loading, and whether the system is in the pre- or post-collapse state. The wave speed dependence on amplitude and static load is found to be in qualitative agreement with a one-dimensional discrete model of adhesive spheres, although the observed difference between pre- and post-collapse states is not captured. This investigation, and the approach presented herein, may find use in future studies of the contact mechanics and dynamics of adhesive microgranular systems.