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Functionally graded materials (FGMs) have spatial variations in composition and structure resulting in corresponding changes in material properties. These materials can be developed for applications in which the functional requirements of a component are position dependent. In this paper, we evaluate the feasibility of using a laser based ultrasonic technique to determine the distribution of elastic properties in FGMs. A model for the laser generation of ultrasound in a compositionally graded coating on a semi-infinite substrate is used to explore the relationship between the acoustic wave propagation and depth dependent elastic property profile. Surface acoustic waves (SAW) generated in such a system are dispersive, and the dispersion characteristics are highly dependent on the mechanical property profile. A high-resolution laser ultrasonic system has been developed, and experimental measurements of the …