Wave propagation approach for NDE using surface bonded piezoceramics

• Published in: NDT & E international : independent nondestructive testing and evaluation 2005-03, Vol.38 (2), p.143-150
• Main Authors: Bhalla, Suresh, Soh, Chee Kiong, Liu, Zhengxing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Damage; Damping; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Industrial metrology. Testing; Materials science; Materials testing; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Non-destructive evaluation (NDE); Physics; Piezoceramics; Smart materials; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Vibration, mechanical wave, dynamic stability (aeroelasticity, vibration control...)
• ISSN: 0963-8695; 1879-1174
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ndteint.2004.07.009

This paper presents a wave propagation-based technique to detect and localize incipient damages in structures and machines. The technique utilizes arrays of surface-bonded piezoceramic (PZT) patches, which serve as transmitters and receivers of elastic waves through the monitored component. The operating frequency is maintained in the order of 100–150 kHz to enable high sensitivity in damage detection. The resulting frequency transfer functions facilitate the identification of the damaged region in the structure. The presented technique, which utilizes simple, economical and commercially available hardware and sensors, can be easily employed for real-time and online monitoring of critical structures, such as machine parts and aircraft components.