Besides homogeneous samples, analyzing certain modes of wave propagation (e.g. surface acoustic waves or guided waves) allows the characterization of a layer on a substrate, or plate-like samples. The scale of such problems may range from mm thick steel plates down to micron thick coatings on Silicon wafers, for example.
If suitable samples are provided, our experimental equipment allows material characterization up to acoustic frequencies of 6 GHz.
We also utilize guided waves for the detection of cracks and delamination.
The basics for these applications and also fascinating physics are researched in publically funded projects. Our main research topics are:
- Grain boundary scattering
- Wave propagation in complex media, e.g. grain structures in metals and polycrystals
- Grain boundary cracks
- Zero-group-velocity (ZGV) and backward Lamb waves
- Development of laser based ultrasound setups
- Material damping
We attend international conferences and publish in renowned journals. Examples of our projects are introduced below.