Acoustic properties of Ni₃Si intermetallic materials

Intermetallic compound such as Ni₃Si intermetallic is a popular structural material in aerospace engines and acidulous environment due to its good mechanical integrity and acid resistance at elevated temperatures. The mechanical properties were investigated by ultrasonic method non-invasively from different forming processes at different temperatures. The Young's and shear moduli can be calculated easily from their relationship with longitudinal and shear acoustic speeds. Experimental data also showed the ultrasonic attenuation is quite different from that of ordinary metals or alloys. The much stronger attenuation may be related to the special L1₂ structure of Ni ₃Si and indicate the microstructure change at different compounds.