Matrix techniques for modeling ultrasonic waves in multilayered media

Research into ultrasonic NDE techniques for the inspection of multilayered structures relies strongly on the use of modeling tools which calculate dispersion curves and reflection and transmission spectra. These predictions are essential to enable the best inspection strategies to be identified and their sensitivities to be evaluated. General purpose multilayer modeling tools may be developed from a number of matrix formulations which have evolved in the latter half of this century and there is now a formidable number of publications on the subject. This paper presents a review of the main developments of the matrix techniques, and their use in response and modal models, with emphasis on ultrasonics applications.<>