Elastic wavefield interactions with solute species during precipitation processes in solids

The linear coupling of elastic deformations and solute diffusion in solids produces effects such as strain-induced diffusion and solute-induced dilatation. Beyond linear theory, there are significant physical effects that must be described using the nonlinear coupling of solute concentration to elastic stiffness. This coupling is developed using a continuum, thermodynamic approach that considers the possible effects that might arise in elastic solids containing a mobile solute species. The related effects of solute concentration on elastic wave-speeds during precipitation processes are modeled and are compared to previously reported experimental results obtained in an aluminum alloy. (C) 2008 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.