Laser generation of Rayleigh and Lamb waves for ultrasonic nondestructive testing

Laser ultrasonics has been the focus of several research efforts over the last two decades. The main advantage of the technique is its noncontact nature which alleviates the problem of sensor coupling inherent in conventional techniques. However, laser ultrasonics has some limitations When operated in the thermoelastic regime, where no damage is inflicted on the surface of the specimen, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is very small, particularly when compared with conventional piezoelectric generation.[1] Several authors have proposed increasing the SNR by producing a source with spatial periodicity designed to enhance a particular wavelength. Royer and Dieulasaint [2] have used a periodic mask, Wagner et al [3] have used a lenticular array, Vogel [4] and Berthelot and Jarzynski [5] have used an array of optical fibers. Cielo et al. [6] increased the SNR by increasing the displacement by geometrical focusing. They detected the displacement of surface waves at the center of an anular source and demonstrated that it was 20 times greater than that of a spot source

Sound propagation over uneven ground and irregular topography

The goal of this research is to develop theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques for predicting the effects of irregular topography on long range sound propagation in the atmosphere. Irregular topography here is understood to imply a ground surface that is not idealizable as being perfectly flat or that is not idealizable as having a constant specific acoustic impedance. The interest of this study focuses on circumstances where the propagation is similar to what might be expected for noise from low-attitude air vehicles flying over suburban or rural terrain, such that rays from the source arrive at angles close to grazing incidence. The activities and developments that have resulted during the period, August 1986 through February 1987, are discussed

Sound propagation over uneven ground and irregular topography

Theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques were developed for predicting the effects of irregular topography on long range sound propagation in the atmosphere. Irregular topography is understood to imply a ground surface that: (1) is not idealizable as being perfectly flat, or (2) that is not idealizable as having a constant specific acoustic impedance. The focus is on circumstances where the propagation is similar to what might be expected for noise from low altitude air vehicles flying over suburban or rural terrain, such that rays from the source arrive at angles close to grazing incidence

Sound propagation over uneven ground and irregular topography

The acoustic impedance of the surface coverings used in the laboratory experiments on sound diffraction by topographical ridges was determined. The model, which was developed, takes into account full wave effects and the possibility of surface waves and predicts the sound pressure level at the receiver location relative to what would be expected if the flat surface were not present. The sound pressure level can be regarded as a function of frequency, sound speed in air, heights of source and receiver, and horizontal distance from source to receiver, as well as the real and imaginary parts of the surface impedance

The evolutionary significance of polyploidy

Polyploidy, or the duplication of entire genomes, has been observed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, and in somatic and germ cells. The consequences of polyploidization are complex and variable, and they differ greatly between systems (clonal or non-clonal) and species, but the process has often been considered to be an evolutionary 'dead end'. Here, we review the accumulating evidence that correlates polyploidization with environmental change or stress, and that has led to an increased recognition of its short-term adaptive potential. In addition, we discuss how, once polyploidy has been established, the unique retention profile of duplicated genes following whole-genome duplication might explain key longer-term evolutionary transitions and a general increase in biological complexity

U.S.-France workshop: damping of advanced materials: shape-memory alloys (sma), polymer composites, and foams

Issued as final reportNational Science Foundation (U.S

Precision imaging and measurements for structural acostics with laser

Issued as Report, Annual report, and Final report, Project E-25-W9

PYI award : acoustic transduction with laser beams

Issued as Contractor cost performance report, Annual letter reports [nos. 1-4], Proposal, and Final project report, Project E-25-M65 (subproject: E-25-X92

Laser doppler measurements for structural acoustics

Issued as Letter reports [nos. 1-2], Reports [nos. 1-3], and Final report, Project E-25-M2