Solving the Inverse Problem of Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy on Dumbbell-shaped Compression Samples Using COMSOL Multiphysics®

M. C. Golt[1]
[1]U.S. Army Research Laboratory*, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
*Contracted through Dynamic Science, Inc.
Published in 2013

The dumbbell geometry is an ideal shape for testing the compressive strength of advanced ceramic materials. This paper details the combined use of COMSOL Multiphysics® and LiveLink™ for MATLAB® for determining the elastic properties of dumbbell-shaped samples by measuring their acoustic resonance frequencies. Degenerate bending modes which are sensitive to inhomogeneities or machining defects that disrupt axial symmetry have been identified. A sensitivity analysis of the effect of geometry and density variations to the resonance frequency locations is included. Additionally, the potential use of a linear model for solving the inverse problem is discussed. It is expected that this method can easily be extended to other complex geometries and material classes.