A model for the propagation of short pulses of ultrasound in a solid

A simple model has been introduced which allows calculations to be made of the particle displacement and velocity waveforms which arise when short pulses of ultrasound are radiated into solid media from transducers typical of those used in nondestructive evaluation. The model makes use of the plane- and edge-wave nature of the pulses radiated and, for simplicity, incorporates an empirical extension of the impulse response method for propagation in a fluid medium. Calculations made using the model are compared with other theoretical results obtained previously by harmonic synthesis, as well as with experimental measurements of pulse waveforms made using a miniature piezoelectric receiving probe. The results obtained are of particular relevance to the characterization of small targets using ultrasound.