What material is commonly used in ultrasonic testing to produce sound vibrations?

Ultrasonic testing relies on the ability to produce high-frequency sound waves for the assessment of materials and structures. Quartz crystal is commonly used in this process due to its piezoelectric properties, which allow it to convert electrical energy into mechanical vibrations, generating sound waves. This characteristic makes quartz an ideal choice for transducers in ultrasonic testing.

The efficiency of quartz in generating sound vibrations stems from its ability to resonate at specific frequencies and maintain stability over a range of temperatures and conditions. These factors are critical when precision and accuracy are vital, as they are in non-destructive testing applications. Other materials mentioned, like silicone, steel, and glass, do not possess the same level of piezoelectric properties necessary for the effective creation of sound vibrations in this context.