Grain-size distribution effects on the attenuation of laser-generated ultrasound in α-titanium alloy

Average grain size is usually used to describe a polycrystalline medium; however, many investigations demonstrate the grain-size distribution has a measurable effect on most of mechanical properties. This paper addresses the experimental quantification for the effects of grain-size distribution on attenuation in α-titanium alloy by laser ultrasonics. Microstructures with different mean grain sizes of 26-49 μm are obtained via annealing at 800 °C for different holding times, having an approximately log-normal distribution of grain sizes. Experimental measurements were examined by using two different theoretical models: (i) the classical Rokhlin's model considering a single mean grain size, and (ii) the improved Turner's model incorporating a log-normal distribution of grain sizes in the attenuation evaluation. Quantitative agreement between the experiment and the latter model was found in the Rayleigh and the Rayleigh-to-stochastic transition regions. A larger attenuation level was exhibited than the classical theoretical prediction considering a single mean grain size, and the frequency dependence of attenuation reduced from a classical fourth power to an approximately second power due to a greater probability of large grains than the assumed Poisson statistics. The provided results would help support the use of laser ultrasound technology for the non-destructive evaluation of grain size distribution in polycrystalline materials.