Elastic constants of B-A1 composites by ultrasonic velocity measurements - The elastic stiffness matrix of the composite was determined by direct contact and liquid-immersion through-transmission ultrasonic techniques and is compared to analytical models

Abstract

The complete orthotropic elastic-stiffness matrix of unidirectional, Borsic-filament-reinforced aluminum composites was experimentally evaluated for three different volume fractions by ultrasonic velocity measurements on thin plates. Longitudinal- and shear-velocity measurements were made in appropriate symmetry directions by direct contact or liquid-immersion techniques. The elastic constants determined by this pulsed through-transmission method were in agreement with micromechanical theories based on the properties of the constituent materials. Agreement was also found between engineering constants determined by mechanical testing and those calculated from the ultrasonic data. Finally, measurement of the ultrasonic-wave velocity has also been shown to be a rapid nondestructive-test method for determining filament-volume fraction in a fabricated part. © 1974 Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc.