Abstract

Ultrasonic waves propagating in the circumference of elastic isotropic cylindrical shells are theoretically and experimentally studied. Dispersion relations of different circumferential modes, including the SH-type and Lamb-type families, are obtained by solving the wave equations numerically. Asymptotic solutions are also given for the SH-like modes. Various technologies are applied for generating and detecting the circumferential waves. In particular, a new approach is developed for experimental determination of the dispersion of the circumferential waves in cylindrical shells. With a chirp interdigital transducer (IDT) as a broadband transmitter and receiver made on a stainless steel tube coated with piezoelectric film, both the group and phase velocities of the circumferential waves are obtained over a wide frequency range, which covers the most sensitive region of the lowest flexural mode. Other transduction approaches are also used as complementary tools in the experiments. Experiments are carried out on both empty and fluid-loaded cylindrical shells at different frequencies. With the specially developed experimental configuration, propagation of a new flexural wave type in a water-filled tube is observed. Mode conversions are also observed between the A 0 mode in the shell and the compressional waves in the water. The results show good application potentials in liquid level sensing.