Axial power flow distributions of ultrasonic guided waves in viscous liquid-filled pipes

The axial power flow (APF) magnitude and attenuation distributions of ultrasonic longitudinal guided waves in viscous liquid-filled elastic pipes are investigated. The optimal location, optimal mode and its frequency-thickness product (fd) for the test of pipes filled with viscous liquid are chosen according to APF and attenuation distributions. The results show that the APF magnitude distribution is an important parameter in choosing the modes and parameters. A particular mode has weak dispersion in ranges of fd values with large group velocity, while other modes with smaller group velocity in the same fd ranges have stronger dispersion. It has been observed that, within these ranges, the chosen mode has a larger APF on the (pipe’s) wall. Therefore, in the region of fd values where a particular mode has a large group velocity, this mode will be effective to be used in testing elastic pipes filled with viscous liquid. The results obtained from both the APF analysis and attenuation distribution are consistent.