Determination of Young’s modulus for complex geometries using an acoustic resonance and finite element analysis

This study introduces a novel hybrid method for the non-destructive estimation of Young’s modulus in materials. Young’s modulus (Elastic modulus) was estimated by comparing the resonance frequencies obtained from acoustic resonance testing to frequency and Young’s modulus curves generated through finite element simulations. This method offers a significant advantage over traditional destructive tests by providing a fast, economical, and viable solution for characterising materials with intricate geometries. The proposed methodology, validated through a cantilever beam bending test, was experimentally evaluated using a steel L-section bracket and an aluminium die-cast angle bracket to represent metallic materials, a tubular reed specimen to represent natural composite materials, and a glass specimen to represent brittle materials. This comprehensive testing protocol aimed to assess the method’s efficacy across both low and high frequency domains, as well as its performance on specimens exhibiting varying degrees of internal damping.The experimental findings indicate that estimations employing multiple modal frequencies provide more reliable outcomes. The error margin for estimations was determined to be 2 GPa for simple prismatic geometries and ± 7 GPa for more complex specimens, such as L-shaped brackets incorporating mounting apertures.