Simultaneous measurement of thickness and ultrasonic wave velocity using a combination of laser-generated multiple wave modes in the thermoelastic regime

This paper introduces a reliable laser ultrasonic technique without damage to the surface in the thermoelastic regime that provides a one-side access method for simultaneously determining the thickness and ultrasonic wave velocity by employing multiple wave modes. Initially, this study determines the optimal separated distance between two laser beams to achieve an effective signal-to-noise ratio of the employed wave modes. Subsequently, a pre-established ratio of 0.95 for the velocity of skimming longitudinal waves and longitudinal waves enables the simultaneous calculation using a combination of the skimming longitudinal wave, reflected shear wave, and mode-converted longitudinal wave in a single measurement. Experiments were carried out on various plane plates made of aluminium alloy 6061, ranging in thickness from 4 to 20 mm, demonstrating a high accuracy in thickness measurement, with a maximum absolute error of 0.05 mm. Compare the results of ultrasonic wave velocity measurements with theoretical calculations, the maximum absolute error is 32 m/s and 80 m/s for longitudinal wave and shear wave, respectively.