The aim of this project is to develop methods for characterization of material properties using ultrasound. For example are solids of thin layers of interest. Another area of interest is to evaluate material charcteristics in bone cement.
In the area of biomaterial sciences, efforts are made to develop an artificial bone cement, that can be used as implants in the human body, to replace or repair fractured bone. These materials have certain desired characteristics, regarding both the mechanical properties of the set cement, as well as some medical issues such as bio-degradability and the setting time.
The purpose of this project is to develop an ultrasound technique that can be used to non-invasively measure the setting time, and at the same time provide information about the mechanical properties of the material. Results show that an ultrasonic pulse-echo technique can be used to objectively determine the setting time, and that the measured setting times fall within the range of those measured with the standards. Furthermore, the ultrasonic technique can provide additional information about the mechanical properties of the cement, such as density and bulk modulus.