Dr. Steven P. Neal (Project 3)

A New Approach for Material Density and Ultrasonic Attenuation Estimation using Equal Diffraction Point Measurements

The ultrasonic attenuation coefficient is a widely estimated acoustic parameter in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and in tissue characterization.  The goal of this project is to reduce to practice a new measurement and analysis technique for estimating the ultrasonic attenuation coefficient and material density for a solid or a fluid (as a function of frequency).  This new, broad-band technique combines two known concepts in ultrasonic NDE:  (1) frequency spectrum amplitude ratios of front surface, first back surface, and second back surface reflections from planar interfaces with plate-like geometries, and (2) equivalent diffraction points with in the transducer wave field.  The new technique will simplify the attenuation measurement process by eliminating the need to make beam field diffraction corrections.

Research supported under:

• NSF: Diffuse Ultrasonics and Materials Characterization
• Fiscal Year 1999 DOD Breast Cancer Research Program: A novel method for detection of breast microcalcifications using ultrasound – a preliminary study
• Cancer Research Center: Ultrasoinc detection/characterization of endocrine responsive cancers

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