On the relationship between ultrasonic and micromechanical properties of contacting rough surfaces

In this work, it is suggested that a unique set of the interfacial stiffness constants, K-N and K-T, is sufficient to characterize the macroscopic elastic response of an interface between two rough contacting surfaces regardless of the direction of incidence of the ultrasonic wave. It is also shown that by combining ultrasonic spectroscopy with the theoretical procedures developed for a single imperfect interface, the stiffness constants of a double interface can be successfully recovered. The values of the stiffness constants determined from ultrasonic measurements are related to the micromechanical interaction and topography of the contacting surfaces using a micromechanical model of two rough surfaces in contact. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.