Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of Transmission Coefficients of Longitudinal Waves through Metal Plates Immersed in Air for Uses of Air Coupled Ultrasounds

Abstract

Theoretical and experimental investigations of transmission coefficients of longitudinal waves through metal plates immersed in air have been carried out for noncontact and nondestructive testing (NDT) of metal plates. Transmission coefficients through metal plates in water and through polymer plates in air have also been shown for comparisons. Theoretical relations between the transmission coefficients and the Lamb wave dispersions were described. It was confirmed that the transmission coefficients took high values when the Lamb waves were generated without exception. Quantitative evaluations for the transmission coefficients were investigated for the use of the air-coupled ultrasounds. The experimental verifications were carried out using 1-, 3-, and 5-mm-thick aluminum plates. The experimental results of the transmission coefficients were in fairly good agreement with the theoretical predictions.