Overview
IEC TS 63081:2019 - Ultrasonics: Methods for the characterization of the ultrasonic properties of materials - is an IEC Technical Specification that defines key quantities and specifies recommended measurement methods for ultrasonic materials characterization. Published by IEC TC 87 (Ultrasonics), it addresses direct measurement techniques for passive acoustic materials under linear (non‑nonlinear) drive conditions and provides standardized terminology, symbols and experimental guidance.
Key topics
- Definitions and terminology: Clear, unambiguous definitions of primary acoustic quantities used in materials characterization (for example, absorption per unit length, amplitude reflection and transmission coefficients).
- Measurement scope: Methods applicable to passive acoustic materials where propagation is linear; nonlinear drive regimes are explicitly out of scope.
- Sample preparation: Practical guidance for fluid and solid samples, sample geometry, stabilization and handling to ensure repeatable ultrasonic measurements.
- Transducers and test setups: Recommendations on source and receiver transducers, immersion versus contact configurations, and considerations for transmission versus reflection measurements.
- Excitation methods: Discussion of CW and quasi‑CW methods, frequency‑modulated pulses and time delay spectrometry (TDS), and impulse techniques - including signal processing approaches used to extract material parameters.
- Specific measurement procedures: Standardized approaches for:
- Insertion loss measurement
- Longitudinal wave speed measurement
- Absorption coefficient measurement (single‑sample and double‑sample through‑transmission methods)
- Echo reduction (normal and oblique incidence)
- Backscatter coefficient measurement
Applications and users
IEC TS 63081 is intended for engineers, metrologists and researchers involved in ultrasonic testing, acoustic materials development and calibration, including:
- Non‑destructive testing (NDT) and inspection laboratories
- Medical ultrasound equipment and phantom developers
- Acoustic absorber and target manufacturers
- Transducer and sensor designers
- Standards committees and conformity assessment bodies
Practical uses include material selection and specification, quality control, design verification of absorbers and reflectors, acoustic modelling inputs (speed, attenuation, scattering), and establishing traceable measurement procedures for comparative testing.
Related standards
IEC TS 63081 complements and helps unify terminology used across IEC ultrasonics standards, including references often cited in the ultrasonics portfolio such as:
Keywords: IEC TS 63081:2019, ultrasonic materials characterization, absorption coefficient, insertion loss, echo reduction, backscatter, longitudinal wave speed, ultrasonics standard, transducer measurement methods.