Guide
Ceramics Testing with Impulse Excitation Technique
IET as the recognized test method for determining dynamic elastic properties of traditional ceramics, advanced ceramics, and glass materials.
Author: dr.ir. Alex Van den Bossche
Overview
The Impulse Excitation Technique (IET) serves as a widely recognized test method for determining the dynamic elastic properties of ceramics. This application encompasses traditional ceramics, advanced ceramics, and various types of glass.
Material Coverage
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Traditional ceramics | Pottery, bricks, abrasives, refractories, cement |
| Advanced ceramics | Oxides, carbides, nitrides |
| Glass | Technical, optical, container |
Standards References
Multiple industry standards reference IET methodology:
- ASTM E1876
- ASTM 1548-02
- ASTM C1259-01
- DIN EN843-2
- CEN N422
- ISO 17561
Measurement Capabilities
Systems operate as standalone devices delivering instant measurements using a straightforward “Tap and Read” method:
- E-modulus: Young’s modulus (stiffness)
- G-modulus: Shear modulus
- Poisson’s ratio: Lateral/axial strain relationship
High-temperature systems enable temperature-dependent property analysis up to 1500°C and beyond.
Why Ceramics Require Testing
Ceramics are valued for their:
- Hardness
- Electrical and thermal insulation
- Chemical stability
- Elevated melting temperatures
However, ceramics contain structural imperfections—vacancies, displaced atoms, interstitial, and microscopic cracks—similar to metals. These random imperfections and processing variations become detectable through frequency profile analysis.
Quality Control Applications
Material Purity
Minor impurities can cause product rejection in ceramic manufacturing. IET enables manufacturers to better control ceramic material structures and properties by comparing resonance frequency profiles against reference standards.
Process Control
The firing and sintering processes critically influence mechanical properties and are reflected in the fundamental vibrations of finished products.
By establishing frequency specifications and measuring resonance profiles before and after each manufacturing step:
- Material composition can be controlled
- Firing parameters can be optimized
- Finishing processes can be verified
Defect Detection
The system detects cracks and microcracks through increased damping of resonance frequencies, enabling:
- 100% production inspection
- Early defect identification
- Quality sorting and grading
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to discuss your requirements and see how IET can help.