Point load wave excitation in multi-layered solids: Experiments and model verification

Studies of transient wave propagation in a single plate, a two-layer plate structure, and a two-layer-on-a-half-space structure are reported. Experime ntal results are used to verify the accuracy of a new model for wave propag ation in layered solids. The experiments are performed using point load exc itation and point detection at the surface of the layered structure. The ba sis of the new wave propagation model is first introduced. Then, experiment s performed on a single plate are described. Results from different wave so urces, plate materials, and wave sensors are compared with each other and w ith computed results from the model. The transient source function for a pe ncil-lead-break wave source is obtained. Next, the results of experiments p erformed on a two-layer plate structure (aluminum bonded to stainless steel ) are reported. The casts of stainless steel atop aluminum and aluminum ato p stainless steel are considered. The effects of the second layer on the tr ansient displacement at the top surface are discussed. Finally, a two-layer -on-a-half-space structure consisting of a stainless steel plate as the top layer. an aluminum plate as the second layer and a thick acrylic resin blo ck as the half-space is studied. The obtained experimental transient measur ements agree with the computed results for all cases, thus verifying the ac curacy of the model. (C) 2001 Acoustical Society of America.