Modeling of lamb waves generated by integrated transducers in composite plates using a coupled finite element-normal...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nondestructive Testing

Background:

• Piezoelectric transducers integrated into composite structures offer potential for in situ structural health monitoring.
• Lamb waves are crucial ultrasonic vibration modes for analyzing plate-shaped structures.
• Current methods require improved control over Lamb mode generation for effective monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an original modeling approach for designing and optimizing piezoelectric transducers in composite materials.
• To enable precise control over the generation of specific Lamb modes for structural health monitoring applications.

Main Methods:

• A coupled finite element method (FEM) and normal modes expansion approach was developed.
• The model computes the mechanical field from the transducer, applying it as a forcing function in normal mode equations.
• This method allows determination of the amplitude of each excited Lamb mode in composite plates.

Main Results:

• The developed modeling technique accurately determines the amplitude of individual Lamb modes excited by piezoelectric elements.
• The approach allows for the design and optimization of 'sensitive materials' for structural health monitoring.
• Numerical and experimental verifications confirmed the model's adequacy and accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The novel modeling approach provides enhanced control over Lamb wave generation in composite structures.
• This facilitates the optimization of integrated piezoelectric transducers for effective in situ structural health monitoring.
• The method is validated, paving the way for more reliable damage detection in composite materials.