X-Ray And Acoustic Measurements Yield Stiffnesses

Analytical technique combines ultrasonic scanning measurements of local velocity of sound in specimen of material with x-ray computed tomographic measurements of local mass density to compute local stiffness of material. Stiffnesses at various locations in specimen then used in finite-element mathematical model of elastic behavior of specimen to compute local stresses, local strains, and overall deformations. Technique enhances value of quantitative nondestructive x-ray and ultrasonic measurements. Especially useful in characterization of carbon/carbon composites and other advanced materials not homogeneous and for which customary simplifying assumption of constant density and/or constant stiffness not valid.