Buzz-o-sonic has a wide range of uses, including:

• Measurement of Elastic and Damping Properties: Young's modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio (see ASTM E1876 or C1259), and Internal Friction (Q-1)
• Quality Control and Quality Assurance: Product testing/strength prediction/defect detection...
• Statistical Process Control: Upper/Lower control limits, statistical designed experiments...
• Thermal Shock Testing: Monitor changes in properties on the same sample (see ASTM C1548)

See client data for some examples.

Most materials can be tested with Buzz-o-sonic: elastic materials such as ceramics, metals and composites (including coated materials). Organic materials - polymers and wood - can also be tested, because Buzz-o-sonic measures the dynamic elastic properties at low strains.

Although frequency equations for impulse-excited solids are only available for simple shapes such as bars, rods, discs, tubes, rings, and plates, Buzz-o-sonic can be used to test more complex shapes. For a given size and mass, the resonant frequencies of an impulse-excited solid are often found to correlate to strength and density; and internal friction measurements often reveal defectecive parts. Also, a wide range of sizes can be tested, the only limitation being the frequency range of Buzz-o-sonic: 0.1-96 kHz. High temperature system also available. Please see our New Products page. We provide custom systems. Let us know your needs.

Here are some examples of where Buzz-o-sonic is being used:

• Refractories - thermal shock testing, detect cracks in calcium silicate slab insulation
• Concrete - monitor curing, test compressive strength from an established correlation to Young’s modulus or resonant frequency
• Advanced Ceramics - measure Young's/bulk moduli of ballistic ceramic armor tiles and AlN structural ceramics
• Glass - measure the Young's modulus of the glass used in CRT screens
• Defense - the U.S. Navy uses Buzz-o-sonic for quick, low cost characterization of their advanced composites
• Graphite - measure Young's modulus of carbon brushes used in electric motors (correlates to commutating ability)
• Ceramic Filters - used to guarantee minimum strength from correlations with torsional resonant frequencies
• Metal Alloys - monitor changes in stiffness before and after rolling. Monitor ageing effects.
• Traditional ceramics - product quality testing of low density acoustic ceiling tile
• Fuel Cells - quality testing of solid ZrO2 electrolyte and NiO-ZrO2 cermet anode supports used in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)
• Coatings - measure Young's modulus of nylon/silica coatings in-situ! - estimate coating thickness on carbon steel substrate.
• Dental Porcelains - measurement of Young's and shear moduli and Poisson's ratios
• Composites - measure Young's modulus of SiC/Ti and Al2O3-Al-Si composites
• Ceramic Foam - measure the elastic properties of SiC/Si and Si3N4 foam (green and fired)
• Fibrillious paper derived ceramics - measure elastic properties (samples too delicate to measure with ultrasonic velocity)
• Glass-to-metal seals - characterize the bond between glass and metal
• Cordierite-mullite honeycombs - measure product quality. Identify weak parts
• Foam Glass - detect defects
• Thin grinding wheels - measure Young's and shear moduli
• Honing Stones - measure Young's modulus to use as a measure of hardness
• Alumina Grinding Stones - measure Young's modulus. Estimate anisotropy and relate to pressing parameters
• Ti-6Al-4V - measure the Poisson's ratio, speed of sound, and internal friction (Q-1) of cylinders used in ultrasonic medical applications
• Aluminum - measure resonant frequencies and internal friction to detect cracks in 80 lb blocks
• Cast Iron - measure internal friction to estimate graphite stucture
• AlN - measure high modulus materials (~300 GPa)
• Paper - measure Young's and shear moduli - related to processing parameters

Buzz-o-sonic is so versatile that it is being used in weather research at the Atmospheric Sciences Center, Desert Research Institute!