Measurement of acoustoelastic coefficients of Rayleigh waves in steel alloys

An ultrasonic technique to determine the acoustoelastic coefficients of Rayleigh waves in steel alloys is described. The technique is based on the measurement of the time of flight of Rayleigh waves over a fixed surface distance as a function of applied stress. Measurements on AISI 1080 carbon steel, AISI 4130 alloy steel, and 316L stainless steel specimens are reported. Time of flight resolution and repeatability as well as temperature effects are discussed insofar as they influence the applicability of ultrasonic methods to the measurement of applied and residual biaxial surface stresses in steel.