Influence of damage on ultrasonic velocity and strength—analysis and experiments

Abstract Measurements of ultrasonic velocity in creep damaged material are reviewed. The influence of damage on ultrasonic velocity is analysed and the relation between them is derived. It is shown that measurements of ultrasonic velocity can be used to predict the remaining life. Measurements of ultrasonic velocity in a damaged beam are presented along with measurements of the ultimate strength. A relation is found to exist, between reductions in ultrasonic velocity and ultimate strength, which might be used to assess the load carrying capacity of a structural element.