Papers by Author: T. Mihara

Abstract: Evaluation method of nano-scale internal cracks by ultrasonic atomic force microscopy (UAFM) is proposed based on two approaches. The first one is a linear vibration analysis of the contact stiffness calculated from a finite element method analysis of a model including a subsurface gap. The second one is a nonlinear vibration analysis of a stiffening or softening spring representing the opening-and-closing behavior of the gap. These methods were verified by obtaining the resonance frequency mapping, the load dependence of the resonance frequency and the resonance spectra in UAFM on a subsurface gap in highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. As a result, it was proved that the proposed method is useful for evaluating the opening-and-closing behavior of the gap. Although the present study is focused on a nano-scale gap, this method is applicable to larger scale cracks using a larger tip and more stiff support than those used in AFM.

Abstract: We developed a laser TOFD (Time of flight diffraction) algorithm which utilizes not only longitudinal wave but also shear wave. This algorithm made it possible to obtain accurate flaw depth without knowing the specimen velocity and probe distance previously. We constructed the laser TOFD system and applied it to estimate the slit depth of aluminum alloy plate. Time of flight of lateral wave, flaw tip diffraction waves and mode converted shear wave at flaw tip were used to estimate the slit depth using new algorithm.