Acoustical validation of the rheological models for a structural bond

The purpose of this study is to characterize by ultrasound a bonded structure metal/adhesive/metal. At first, we investigate the guided modes of the structure for the adhesive layer in its entirety; this is the exact model. Secondly, we assume that the adhesive layer is described by one geometrical interface, with a superficial distribution of longitudinal and transversal springs with or without mass; this is the rheological model. A comparison of the guided modes for the two models allows to determinate the validity limits for the rheological modelling and define the equivalent stiffness coefficients and the mass as a function of the frequency. Some cutoff-frequencies are better evaluated when the springs mass is taken into account.