Guide
Material Research with Impulse Excitation Technique
Using IET for high-precision material characterization in research applications, including high-temperature testing up to 1800C.
Author: Flowzy
Overview
The Impulse Excitation Technique enables non-destructive material characterization through a simple “tap and read” methodology, providing researchers with high-precision measurements of elastic properties.
Measurable Properties
The technique measures key material characteristics:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| E-Modulus | Young’s modulus (stiffness) |
| G-Modulus | Shear modulus |
| Poisson’s constant | Lateral/axial strain ratio |
| Speed of sound | Acoustic velocity in material |
| Internal friction/damping | Energy dissipation characteristics |
Measurement Precision
The measurement resolution achieves exceptional accuracy:
- Resolution: 1 part per million (ppm)
- Repeatability: ±2 ppm
- Accuracy: ±5 ppm
This makes IET among the most sensitive material analysis methods available for elastic property determination.
Research Applications
Surface Treatments and Coatings
Detecting surface treatments and added layers through stiffness changes. Coating effects on substrate properties become quantifiable.
Porosity Assessment
Assessing material porosity via longitudinal compression modes. Density variations correlate with frequency shifts.
Crack Detection
Identifying cracks through increased internal friction measurements. Damping sensitivity reveals damage invisible to other methods.
Composition Variations
Evaluating compound composition variations through elastic property changes. Material consistency across batches becomes verifiable.
High-Temperature Testing
Optional high-temperature systems allow measurements up to 1800°C, revealing:
- Visco-elastic thermal behavior: Temperature-dependent property changes
- Phase transitions: Crystallographic transformations
- Recrystallization phenomena: Microstructural evolution
Waterfall plots expose these transitions through frequency and damping evolution with temperature.
Testing Flexibility
The non-destructive nature enables repeated measurements during:
- Aging cycles
- Thermal shocks
- Environmental exposure
- Fatigue loading
This allows tracking of material evolution through various stress conditions, providing insights impossible with destructive testing methods.
Applications by Field
- Ceramics research: Sintering optimization, composition development
- Metals research: Alloy development, heat treatment studies
- Composites research: Fiber/matrix interaction, damage evolution
- Coatings research: Adhesion, property modification effects
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to discuss your requirements and see how IET can help.