Acoustic harmonic generation from fatigue-induced dislocation dipoles

Abstract

A model is presented of the interaction of an acoustic wave with dislocation dipoles and dipole-array approximations to veins and persistent slip bands (substructures) formed during metal fatigue. The model predicts the generation of a substantial acoustic second harmonic that depends on the distance between the glide planes of the dipole pair, on the dipole density, and on the particular arrangement and volume fraction of dipoles in a given substructure of the fatigued solid. Experimental evidence which strongly supports the essential features of the model is presented for fatigued aluminium alloy 2024-T4.