For a uniform nondispersive wave, propagation speed equals frequency times wavelength. This calculator applies that relation and converts an entered feature size into wavelengths and transit time.
Wave Motions Interactive Calculator
Enter a uniform propagation speed, frequency and feature length. Outputs are ideal kinematic conversions—not attenuation, reflection, resolution, dispersion or a material inspection model.
Equation Used
- Propagation speed is uniform and constant.
- Frequency is a single entered value.
- The ideal wave is nondispersive.
- Feature size is an entered path length for ratios and transit time.
- Amplitude, attenuation, impedance, reflection, refraction, mode conversion, bandwidth and sensor response are omitted.
Wave-Speed Relation
A NIST publication states the simple propagating-wave relation speed = frequency × wavelength. This page applies that identity to entered values and adds direct time and length conversions.
What This Calculator Represents
The tool is a unit-consistent wave kinematics calculation for a chosen constant speed.
Ideal Wave Calculation
d/lambda
T=1/f
t=d/v
These identities do not predict amplitude or detection performance.
Worked Conversion
At 5,900 m/s and 5 MHz, ideal wavelength is 1.18 mm. A 6 mm feature spans about 5.08 wavelengths, period is 0.200 microseconds and ideal transit time is about 1.017 microseconds.
Assumptions and Limits
- Calculated: wavelength, wavelength count, period and ideal transit time.
- Illustrated: generic transverse displacement and direction of propagation.
- Not calculated: material response, modes, attenuation, reflections, dispersion, resolution or sensor behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is speed predicted?
No; it is entered.
Does wavelength equal resolution?
No.
Are losses included?
No.
Is the medium necessarily transverse?
No; the picture is generic.
Does the tool model reflections?
No.
Can this qualify an inspection?
No.
References
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