Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy Offers Unique Advantages as a Nondestructive Test Method

Resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) is an emerging ultrasonic measurement technique. By measuring the natural vibrational frequencies of test samples, RUS can determine Young's modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio for isotropic materials. By comparing the vibrational spectra of a test sample to those obtained from a standard, it is possible to infer the causes of the differences (if any) and detect various part defects, such as size variations, cracks, and pores. Thanks to advances in computer technology, codes and software are now available for data reduction, analysis, and interpretation. This article addresses fundamentals of the technology and applications in research and industry.