Characterization of the Elastic and Mechanical Properties of 1020 Steel with the Ultrasonic Transparency Technique

In certain industrial applications it is important to characterize quickly the elastic and mechanical properties of metals. However, these measurements are usually carried out by means of mechanical tests, which demand time and samples destruction. Ultrasonic testing is a non-destructive and alternative method, which can be used to measure the elastic and mechanical properties of metals with relatively accuracy. In this study, the transmission ultrasonic technique was used to characterize a 1020 carbon steel bar. The results obtained were compared with reference values found in the literature, attesting the feasibility of a fast and low cost method to investigate low carbon steels.