A Comparison of the Elastic Constants of Chromium as Determined from Diffuse X-Ray and Ultrasonic Techniques

The elastic constants of the same single crystal of chromium have been determined by both ultrasonic pulse-echo and thermal diffuse x-ray techniques. The difference between the numerical results of the two sets of measurements is primarily attributable to the limited precision which attends the measurement of diffuse x-ray intensities. Any additional factors which may contribute to the difference are masked by the precision. If suitable single crystals can be prepared, the ultrasonic technique is much to be preferred.