Scholte-Stoneley waves on an immersed solid dihedral: generation, propagation and scattering effects.

Area of Science:

• Solid Mechanics
• Acoustics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Scholte-Stoneley wave propagation and corner diffraction are crucial for nondestructive testing (NDT).
• Previous models, like radiation mode theory, were limited to rectangular corners.
• Experimental studies have explored these phenomena, but lacked comprehensive simulation capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Scholte-Stoneley wave propagation and diffraction at corners using finite element simulations.
• To extend the analysis beyond rectangular corners to any corner angle.
• To identify critical corner angles influencing diffraction phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Finite element (FE) simulations were employed to model wave propagation.
• The study analyzed wave behavior for various corner angles in isotropic solids.
• Results were compared with existing experimental data.

Main Results:

• FE simulations successfully modeled Scholte-Stoneley wave diffraction for arbitrary corner angles.
• The simulation outcomes align with previously reported experimental findings.
• A critical corner angle was identified, distinguishing different diffraction behaviors.

Conclusions:

• Finite element simulations provide a versatile tool for analyzing corner diffraction in NDT.
• The identification of a critical corner angle offers new insights into wave scattering mechanisms.
• This study enhances the understanding of wave propagation for improved material inspection techniques.