Effect of Microstructure on Temperature Dependence of Ultrasonic Velocity in Aluminum

The sensitivity of temperature behavior of ultrasonic waves to microstructural features is discussed. A phenomenological model linking the temperature dependence of ultrasonic velocity with microstructural damage, texture and thermal deformation is proposed. The use of echo-method for measuring the times-of-flight of shear and longitudinal ultrasonic waves as a function of temperature is presented. The experimental results are given for the temperature coefficients in polycrystalline pure aluminum under different plastic strains. It is concluded that the application of temperature behavior of shear and longitudinal waves may be a promising way for structural health monitoring of products made of aluminum alloys widely used in aircraft and shipbuilding .