Large acoustoelastic effect

Classical acoustoelasticity couples small-amplitude elastic wave propagation to an infinitesimal pre-deformation, in order to reveal and evaluate non-destructively third-order elasticity constants. Here, we see that acoustoelasticity can also be used to determine fourth-order constants, simply by coupling a small-amplitude wave with a small-but-finite pre-deformation. We present results for compressible weakly nonlinear elasticity, we make a link with the historical results of Bridgman on the physics of high pressures, and we show how to determine “DD”, the so-called fourth-order elasticity constant of soft (incompressible, isotropic) solids by using infinitesimal waves.

► Classical acousto-elasticity couples wave propagation to a small pre-deformation. ► It gives access to second and third-order elastic constants. ► Here we consider a small-but-finite pre-deformation to access fourth-order constants. ► We provide links with historical results and experimental data.