VISHNU G 12MMF0027

INTRODUCTION
Ultrasound is an oscillating sound pressure wave with a frequency greater than the upper limit of the human hearing range. Ultrasound is thus not separated from 'normal' (audible) sound based on differences in physical properties, only the fact that humans cannot hear it. Although this limit varies from person to person, it is approximately 20 kilohertz (20,000 hertz) Ultrasound devices operate with frequencies from 20 kHz up to several gigahertz.

Approximate frequency ranges corresponding to ultrasound, with rough applications

guide of some

The four fundamental modes of ultrasonic wave propagation are: 1. Longitudinal or compression waves 2. Shear or transverse waves 3. Surface or Rayleigh waves 4. Plate or Lamb waves

LONGITUDINAL WAVES
Longitudinal waves are similar to audible sound waves in that they are also compressional in nature.
The alternate expansion and contraction of a piezoelectric crystal generates

longitudinal waves.
Only longitudinal waves can travel through a liquid. In this case the particles are oscillating parallel to the direction of energy propagation This form of energy propagation and particle oscillation is referred to as a compression or longitudinal wave form.

Particle motion & wave propagation with longitudinal waves

SHEAR WAVES
With shear waves, particle vibration is transverse (at a right angle) to the direction of wave propagation.
Passing the ultrasonic beam through the material at an angle generates shear waves. The following figure illustrates the shear wave relationship between the

direction of particle vibration and direction of wave propagation.

Figure : Particle motion and wave propagation with shear waves.

RAYLEIGH WAVES
Surface waves travel with little attenuation in the direction of wave propagation. However, their energy decreases rapidly as the wave penetrates

below the surface of the material.

Figure: Particle motion and wave propagation with surface waves

LAMB WAVES
When ultrasonic energy is introduced into relatively thin plates, it is propagated by Lamb waves.
Lamb waves have multiple or varying wave velocities.

Lamb wave velocity is dependent on the thickness of the material and frequency.
With Lamb waves, a number of modes of particle vibration are possible, but the two most common modes of vibrational motion are symmetrical and asymmetrical as shown in Figure.

Figure : Particle motion and wave propagation with Lamb waves.

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