Simulation of ultrasound wave propagation in heterogeneous materials

Abstract

The simulation of ultrasound waves propagating through heterogeneous materials is useful to a range of applications, including Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) and materials characterization. In NDE, the challenge is to detect defects within the volume of a component against a background of noise of scattering from the inhomogeneities. In materials characterization, the challenge is to measure properties such as stiffness, texture, and spatial distributions of the inhomogeneities. Until recently, simulation of wave propagation through realistic detailed volumetric representations of heterogeneous materials was infeasible because of the huge computational requirements. However, it has recently become possible to do these kinds of simulations. This talk will show Finite Element model simulations of wave propagation in polycrystalline metals that are representative of the high performance alloys used in electricity power plant components. Validations by examining wave speed, attenuation, and backscatter will be discussed, and example deployments of the models will be presented.