Determination of Elastic Constants in WC/Co Metal Matrix Composites by Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy (RUS) and Impulse Excitation

Elastic moduli were determined by impulse excitation and resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) techniques for composite systems of WC/Co. Two types of composites were used, including a novel microstructure termed “double cemented carbides” consisting of WC/Co granules in a Co matrix, as well as a conventional isotropic WC/Co. The results compared favorably with theoretical values predicted by the bounds of the Hashin-Shtrikman equations for quasi-isotropic materials. Various aspects of the RUS and impulse excitation techniques are discussed, particularly in regard to composite materials.