Speed of sound in steel dependance on temperature

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SUMMARY

The speed of sound in steel is determined by the relationship v = √(shear modulus/density). As temperature increases, both shear modulus and density decrease, but the shear modulus decreases at a greater rate than density, resulting in an overall increase in the speed of sound in steel with rising temperature. Additionally, the frequency of sound waves, such as ultrasound versus low frequency, may influence dispersion characteristics, which can be further explored through temperature coefficients of these properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of shear modulus and density in materials
  • Familiarity with the formula for speed of sound in solids
  • Knowledge of temperature effects on material properties
  • Basic concepts of wave propagation and dispersion
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the temperature coefficients of shear modulus and density in steel
  • Learn about the dispersion of sound waves in solids, particularly in steel
  • Explore the effects of frequency on sound propagation in materials
  • Investigate experimental methods to measure the speed of sound in steel at varying temperatures
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, materials scientists, and engineers interested in the acoustic properties of steel and the effects of temperature on sound propagation.

Karlos
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Hello,

Nice easy question for you all today:

I would like to know how the speed of sound in steel varies with temperature. A google search didnt reveal a great deal, so if a physicist could confirm the relationship, that would be much appreciated.

I know that: v = √shear modulus/density

However, I am also aware that both shear modulus and density ought to decrease with increasing temperature.

So I suppose its a matter of which one decreases by the largest fraction for a given temperature rise! I don't know the answer.

So...does the speed of sound in steel increase or decrease with increasing temeprature?

A secondary question...is there any dependence on frequency? (ultrasound vs low freq for example)

Thank you for your time.
 
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You could look up the temperature coefficients of those two quantities in steel and plot yourself a graph. You have the correct formula. :smile:
I think this link could be useful for dispersion information.
 
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