THEORETICAL MODELS FOR DETERMINING THE VELOCITY OF ULTRASOUND IN BONE AND BONE SAMPLES

Currently available non-invasive clinical methods for diagnosing osteoporosis are mainly associated with ionizing radiation. Ultrasonic assessment of bone disease is a more recent technology. A theoretical explanation for the relationship between ultrasonic parameters and bone structure is necessary. Thus, two types of bone samples of perspex (HAP) and perspex-glass beads were produced. Each type was made with a different fraction of constituents. The ultrasonic properties of these samples were measured. The results of velocity measurement showed rise of velocity in the samples when the volume fraction of the HPA or glass beads increased with a different trend. A theoretical model for the velocity in a composite material was developed and the results of the two samples were used to test the model. The results showed a good agreement for the perspex-glass bead sample at different volume fraction, while the agreement between perspex-HAP was not as good as the other sample.