Development of a Novel Guided Wave Generation System Using a Giant Magnetostrictive Actuator for Nondestructive...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nondestructive Testing

Background:

• Guided wave-based methods are widely used for nondestructive testing and evaluation due to their broad detection range and efficiency.
• A need exists for portable guided wave systems with high actuating energy and variable frequency capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a novel giant magnetostrictive (GMS) actuator with high actuation power for guided wave generation.
• To develop a portable guided wave testing system incorporating the GMS actuator.
• To validate the system's functionality and advantages in assessing rock bolt-reinforced structures.

Main Methods:

• A novel GMS actuator was designed, featuring a conical energy-focusing head to concentrate amplified mechanical energy.
• The actuator was integrated into a guided wave generation system capable of producing coded pulse and sweep signals.
• Laboratory testing on rock bolt-reinforced structures and field tests were conducted for validation.

Main Results:

• The developed GMS actuator demonstrated high actuation power, generating high-energy stress waves.
• The conical energy-focusing head effectively focused stress waves onto the test object.
• The system's performance was successfully validated in both laboratory and field applications for structural assessment.

Conclusions:

• The novel GMS actuator and supporting system provide a portable, high-power solution for guided wave-based nondestructive testing.
• The system is effective for quality assessment of rock bolt-reinforced structures and applicable to other high-power stress wave generation needs.