Which factors can affect sound propagation in ultrasonic testing?

Sound propagation in ultrasonic testing is significantly influenced by various physical properties of the material being examined. Material attenuation refers to the reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium, which varies based on material type, density, and internal structure. Temperature can also impact sound speed and attenuation; as temperature increases, materials may show decreased stiffness, affecting the propagation of sound waves. Additionally, surface conditions such as roughness or contaminants can cause scattering or reflection of sound waves, further affecting how effectively the sound propagates through the material.

While the other factors like sound frequency, transducer type, environmental noise, equipment settings, and operator experience play important roles in ultrasonic testing, they do not directly alter the physical behavior of sound waves as they travel through the tested material, which is why material attenuation, temperature, and surface conditions are the most impactful factors in this context.