Department D 5 - Ultrasonic Methods

Laboratory of ultrasonic methods deals with both experimental and theoretical research in the field of mechanics of materials. It is oriented on the utilisation of physical acoustic principles for the evaluation of mechanical properties of metals, intermetallics, ceramics, composites, and functional materials (ferroics) as well as the characterisation of structural changes and material damage. For this purpose the laboratory develops original ultrasonic methods such as resonant ultrasound spectroscopy, acousto-optical methods, etc.

Laboratory of Experimental Stress Analysis deals with transient phenomena associated with stress wave propagation in solids. These are typically generated by impact loadings delivered by air gun projectiles, exploding wires technique, by different types of impactors or by focused ruby laser beam. Both coherent optics (such as double-pulse holographic interferometry, electronic speckle interferometry or laser vibrometry) and dynamic responses measured by semiconductor strain gauges or accelerometers are used. The results are applicable to non-destructive defectoscopy, construction and the automobile and armament industries, as well as injury biomechanics and in criminal traceology.