Methods of determining loads and fiber orientations in anisotropic non-crystalline materials using energy flux deviation

A method of determining an applied load of a particular anisotropic sample material comprising the steps of:

• applying an ultrasonic wave to the particular anisotropic sample material in an initial direction;
• measuring an angle of flux deviation of the ultrasonic wave front from the initial direction, the flux deviation angle induced by the applied load;
• determining a flux shift between this load-induced flux deviation angle and a previously determined angle of flux deviation of an ultrasonic wave applied to a similar anisotropic reference material under an initial known load condition;
• and
• comparing this said flux shift to a plurality of previously determined flux shifts of a similarly tested, similar anisotropic reference material tested under a plurality of respective known load conditions, whereby the load applied to the particular anisotropic sample material is determined by correlating said flux shifts to previously determined flux shifts due to known loads in said reference material.