Abstract
This project used refracto-vibrometry to produce full-field videos of ultrasonic wave propagation in water; these videos could be incorporated into high school and college physics courses to illustrate wave behaviors. Refracto-vibrometry (RV) is an interferometric method for optically measuring sound waves. The measurement beam from a Polytec PSV-400 scanning laser Doppler vibrometer was directed through a water tank towards a stationary retroreflective surface. Acoustic wave fronts (density variations) which pass through the measurement laser cause variations in the integrated optical path length. By superimposing tens of thousands of scan points, videos enable visualization of the ultrasound propagation. In one experiment, ultrasonic waves in water (1484 m/s) are incident on a submerged acrylic block at a non-zero angle. The waves are refracted as they travel at about 2700 m/s through the block. Students can determine this speed of sound by measuring the angle of refraction and lateral deflection of the wave fronts in the video. In another experiment, ultrasonic waves passed through an acrylic cylinder, producing a Mach cone in water. Measurement of the Mach cone angle enables determination of the acrylic speed of sound. Links for videos and sample worksheets will be provided.
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