A Stochastic Theory of Propagation of Elastic Waves in Porous Solids for Nondestructive Pore Characterization

Abstract

A new theory of propagation of elastic waves in porous materials was developed for pore characterization. The idea is based on the arrival probability of a direct ray, reflecting ray, and creeping ray. The theory gives a good account of the nature of elastic waves propagated in porous solids not only qualitatively, but also quantitatively. The authors show a rather good correlation between pore characteristics (porosity and pore size) and ultrasonic characteristics (waveform and arrival time), and propose a nondestructive technique based on the presented theory for evaluating the porosity and pore size.