Longitudinal and transverse wave attenuation estimations

Ultrasonic in-service inspection simulations based on mathematical models are a keystone in modern inspection qualification exercises. Among the physical parameters characterising the interaction of the ultrasound field with its supporting medium, acoustic wave attenuation has been identified as an important input parameter for these models. However, the experimental estimation of the intrinsic attenuation is a difficult task and there is a lack of robust and easy to implement measurement approaches to estimate the attenuation of both longitudinal and transverse waves. Two new measurement approaches are presented and tested on Perspex. The data acquisition and processing are very simple and corrections to the raw data based on theoretical assumptions are not required.