Buzz-o-sonic is a nondestructive tester designed to measure the elastic and acoustic properties of materials using the Impulse Excitation Technique - also known as the impulse excitation of vibration, resonant vibration, impact acoustic resonance, ping test, and eigen frequency methods. Internal friction and speed of sound are also measured. Write to us for a quote.

Buzz-o-sonic implements the impulse excitation technique as follows: a test piece or product is tapped lightly with a small hammer causing a standing wave to be generated in the solid. The resulting sound is analyzed using a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm. The waveform and power/frequency spectrum are displayed from which the resonant frequencies are determined. The Young's modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio can then be calculated from the known mass and dimensions of the solid. Buzz-o-sonic has built in algorithms to determine the elastic constants of discs, rectangular bars, and cylinders; as described in ASTM E1876 and C1259 - see References. A Microsoft Excel® workbook is also included to calculate the elastic constants of these shapes and others, such as annular plates (e.g. grinding wheels), square plates, and tubes. Contact us for more details. Speed of sound and shear velocites are also calculated.

• Click here to see movies of Buzz-o-sonic being used to measure a low density refractory brick (broadband connection recommended)

Buzz-o-sonic has been carefully designed to run on standard personal computers (Microsoft Windows® 2000 , XP or Vista). We also supply the additional hardware (microphone, sound card, signal conditioner, inpulse tools, foam supports...). You can request an evaluation of the Buzz-o-sonic system from here.

Our latest version 5.7.2 has many features, such as:

1. Measurement of resonant frequencies of up to 120 kHz (special certified DAQ card and high quality, certified ICP microphone supplied)
   
2. Frequencies are measured from a frequency or power spectrum. The waveform is also displayed.
   
3. Selectable resolutions of 100, 10, and 1 Hz (actual resolutions are better)
   
4. Window functions are available to clean up the frequency/power spectrum and to reveal weak peaks
   
5. The frequency spectrum can be displayed with an amplitude, power, or decibel scale
   
6. Calculation of the elastic and acoustic properties of the material being tested from its resonant frequencies using Buzz-o-sonic and/or our special Excel workbook. Calculations include Young's and shear moduli, Poisson's ratio, and sound and shear velocities. Various systems of units can be used (SI, metric, imperial, mixed)
   
7. Measurement of internal friction (Q^-1) based on the logarithmic decrement method for medium to lightly damped materials; and also on the half peak bandwidth method for medium to heavily damped materials. Waveform can be offset to reduce transients and to improve fit to waveform decay envelope (lower mean squared error)
   
8. Modular design. For example we include a Quality Control panel that has pass/fail indicators based on control chart data (upper and lower control limits). Data can be stored and retrieved for particular production parts. Control data associated with the waveform and spectrum can be stored for each production item. We also provide an Elastic Constants module. Resonant frequency estimates can be made from known elastic/acoustic properties and size and shape of the test piece. Cursors can then be placed on the frequency/power spectrum to indicate the location of the frequency estimates. A Spectrogram module (frequency Vs time) is also included
   
9. Descriptive statistics available for frequency and Q^-1 measurements. For example, the mean squared error (MSE) is reported for the internal friction measured using the log decrement method.
   
10. Integration/communication with Microsoft Excel. Frequency measurements can be sent to the active cell.
    
11. Buzz-o-sonic has built in algorithms to calculate the elastic constants and speed of sound for standard shapes such as round or rectangular bars, and discs; and for non-standard shapes such as annular plates, and square plates. We can provide solutions for other shapes also.
    
12. Automatic peak labeling and cursor placement on the frequency/power spectrum
    
13. ASTM E1876 included as a PDF file (registered version only)
    
14. Manual in PDF format
    
15. Data can be saved to file
    
16. HASP key protection allows Buzz-o-sonic to be installed on several computers but activated one at a time using the USB HASP key. More keys can be purchased at a discounted price for multi-users
    
17. Frequent updates/upgrades produced
    
18. Complete systems available. Computer can also be provided in the USA, though most clients user their own. Buzz-o-sonic is designed to adapt to virtually any commonly used screen resolution
    
19. Smart window resizing. Buzz-o-sonic resizes the tables and graphs so that several modules and/or the Excel spreadsheet can be viewed on one screen.
    
20. Window layouts and unit systems etc. can be set as a defaults
    
21. Buzz-o-sonic has been designed to take advantage of multiple monitors. Modules and the Excel spreadsheet can be viewed on different screens.
    

For screen shots of Buzz-o-sonic, please visit <http://www.buzzmac.com/bsscreen.html>.

We can design systems for high frequency, high temperature, and automated measurements (see screen shots). Contact us for a quote.

Buzz-o-sonic has some of the following advantages over competing analog systems:

• Low Cost - standard version runs on ordinary personal computers. COSTS AS LOW AS ~¼ OF COMPETING PRODUCTS
• Easily Updated - new features added with frequent product updates and upgrades1.
• Continuous Improvement - as computers and integrated development environments (IDE) for software continue to improve, new features can be added at minimal cost
• Customized Features - for example, pass-fail criteria can be added for QC purposes
• Data Storage - useful for archiving, report writing, and comparison purposes
• Flexibility - Buzz-o-sonic runs on standard PCs. We provide the additional hardware (USB/Firewire devices...) and sample supports/impulse tools. Contact us for details. No system is as flexible.

Most elastic materials can be tested with Buzz-o-sonic and include:

• Ceramics (traditional - refractories, tile, bricks..., advanced - solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) components, bioceramics, zirconia, alumina...)
• Glass (solids, foam...)
• Metals (cast iron, powder metal parts, titanium alloys, Ti-6Al-4V...)
• Composites (SiC/B4C ceramic armor, titanium-graphite fiber composites, Al/Al2O3...)
• Cement/Concrete - estimate strength, porosity - monitor hydration/curing
• Cermets (foam made from aluminum-filled preceramic polymers, intermetallics, NiO/ZrO2 for SOFCs...)
• Organic materials (polymers, wood, PEEK rods...)
• Coatings (plasma-sprayed nylon/silica coated 1040 steel, HVOF process...) - can be measured in situ
• Grinding Wheels

See Client Data for some real life examples and Uses for a more comprehensive list

For example, a company in North Carolina uses Buzz-o-sonic to increase the guaranteed minimum strength of their ceramic filters by 50%. A company in Thailand uses Buzz-o-sonic to measure the Young's modulus of graphite electric motor brushes, because Young's modulus correlates well to their commutating ability. Buzz-o-sonic is being used in the ceramics, metals, automotive, and polymer industries as a QC/QA and research tool and to reduce production and development costs. Buzz-o-sonic is also being used in universities and research laboratories (Oak Ridge National Labs...).

To evaluate Buzz-o-sonic:

• Request an Evaluation of the System
• Send samples for testing

You will be asked to fill out a simple form in each case.

To learn more about Buzz-o-sonic, please use the menu to the left or contact us.