SOUND VELOCITY AND SOUND ABSORPTION IN THE CRITICAL TEMPERATURE REGION

Abstract

The velocity and absorption of ultrasound (600 kc.) has been measured throughout the critical temperature region of sulphur hexafluoride. Measurements were carried out for the coexisting liquid phase and vapor phase below Tc, and for the supercritical gas, and simultaneously, observations of the meniscus behavior in the neighborhood of Tc were made. The sound velocity for both liquid and vapor phases below Tc decreased with increasing temperature and became equal at Tc, the velocity at this point being 121.5 m. per sec. In the temperature range from 0.6° below Tc to Tc the velocity in the vapor was greater than that in the liquid. A very high absorption of sound was observed, having a maximum value at Tc and extending over a temperature range of approximately 1°. In the temperature range from Tc to 0.6° below Tc, the absorption in the liquid phase was greater than that in the vapour.