A time reversal damage imaging method for structure health monitoring using Lamb waves

This paper investigates the Lamb wave imaging method combining time reversal for health monitoring of a metal-lic plate structure.The temporal focusing effect of the time reversal Lamb waves is investigated theoretically.It demonstrates that the focusing effect is related to the frequency dependency of the time reversal operation.Numerical simulations are conducted to study the time reversal behaviour of Lamb wave modes under broadband and narrowband excitations.The results show that the reconstructed time reversed wave exhibits close similarity to the reversed nar-rowband tone burst signal validating the theoretical model.To enhance the similarity,the cycle number of the excited signal should be increased.Experiments combining finite element model are then conducted to study the imaging method in the presence of damage like hole in the plate structure.In this work,the time reversal technique is used for the recompression of Lamb wave signals.Damage imaging results with time reversal using broadband and narrowband excitations are compared to those without time reversal.It suggests that the narrowband excitation combined time reversal can locate and determine the size of structural damage more precisely,but the cycle number of the excited signal should be chosen reasonably.     

Mode selection of Lamb waves for the evaluation of solid plates with liquid loading

This paper studies the mode selection of Lamb waves for evaluating solid plates with liquid loading. For this purpose, the Lamb wave selected should have the features such as zero normal displacement components at the plate surface in contact with liquid, small dispersion, and maximum group velocity. It is found that when the phase velocity of Lamb wave is equal to the longitudinal wave velocity of the plate material, its normal displacement at the plate surface is always zero. Through the numerical analyses, the specific S₂ Lamb wave that has zero normal displacement component at the plate surface, small dispersion and maximum group velocity compared with the other Lamb waves has been found. With respect to the specific S₂ Lamb wave, some experimental examinations have been carried out. It is found that the liquid loading on the plate surface has less influence on the specific S₂ Lamb wave signal but it can effectively eliminate the other signals. Moreover, the specific S₂ Lamb wave selected exhibits the capability of detecting multiple defects in the solid plate with the liquid loading. It can be concluded that the specific S₂ Lamb wave selected is suitable for the evaluation of solid plates with liquid loading.     

A new multichannel time reversal focusing method for circumferential Lamb waves and its applications for defect detection in thick-walled pipe with large-diameter

This paper proposes a new multichannel time reversal focusing (MTRF) method for circumferential Lamb waves which is based on modified time reversal algorithm and applies this method for detecting different kinds of defects in thick-walled pipe with large-diameter. The principle of time reversal of circumferential Lamb waves in pipe is presented along with the influence from multiple guided wave modes and propagation paths. Experimental study is carried out in a thick-walled and large-diameter pipe with three artificial defects, namely two axial notches on its inner and outer surface respectively, and a corrosion-like defect on its outer surface. By using the proposed MTRF method, the multichannel signals focus at the defects, leading to the amplitude improvement of the defect scattered signal. Besides, another energy focus arises in the direct signal due to the partial compensation of dispersion and multimode of circumferential Lamb waves, alongside the multichannel focusing, during MTRF process. By taking the direct focus as a time base, accurate defect localization is implemented. Secondly, a new phenomenon is exhibited in this paper that defect scattered wave packet appears just before the right boundary of truncation window after time reversal, and to which two feasible explanations are given. Moreover, this phenomenon can be used as the theoretical basis in the determination of defect scattered waves in time reversal response signal. At last, in order to detect defects without prior knowing their exact position, a large-range truncation window is used in the proposed method. As a result, the experimental operation of MTRF method is simplified and defect detection and localization are well accomplished.     

Magnetoelastic waves in an in-plane magnetized ferromagnetic plate

The spectrum of magnetoelastic waves propagating along the magnetic field in an in-plane magnetized ferromagnetic plate is numerically investigated in the exchangeless approximation. No restrictions are imposed either on the field pattern of backward volume magnetostatic waves (BVMSWs) or elastic waves supported by a plate of a given geometry across the plate or on the relationship between the sound velocity v _S and the phase velocity of the magnetoelastic waves v=ω/q (ω is the frequency, q is the wave number). The resonance interaction of the BVMSWs and elastic waves is accompanied, as a rule, by the formation of “stop” bands δω that are proportional to the magnetoelastic coupling constant b. When the BVMSWs are in resonance with Lamb and shear elastic modes the values of the magnetoelastic gaps δω at v≈v _S turn out to be of the same order. For v≫v _S , the efficiency of the interaction between the BVMSWs and transverse Lamb modes is almost one order of magnitude higher. If the frequency spacing Δω between the elastic modes is smaller than the mag-netoelastic gap in the spectrum (Δω≤δω), which takes place, particularly, in the region of crowding the elastic mode spectrum (v≈v _S), the resonant interaction results in mixing the dispersion laws for the elastic modes. Namely, a surface mode may transform into a volume one and a shear mode, into the Lamb mode or into a shear mode with another number. The resonance interaction of the shear and Lamb elastic modes not only forms the magnetoelastic gaps δω∼b ² but also changes the efficiency of elastic wave coupling with the magnetic subsystem. This may show up as the coexistence of the effects of “repulsing” both the dispersion laws and the damping decrements of the elastic waves at the resonance frequency. It is shown that magnetostriction splits the cutoff frequencies of both transverse Lamb modes and shear modes, as well as the long-wave (q → 0) frequency limits f ₀ of the BVMSW modes. This may cause the resonance interaction between BVMSW modes of equal evenness in a narrow frequency band Δ∼b near f ₀.     

Laser-ultrasonic generation of Lamb waves in the reaction force range

The Laser-ultrasonic generation of Lamb waves in an elastic plate is investigated theoretically and experimentally for a laser source whose intensity is high enough to create reaction forces (normal tractions) on the illuminated surface of the specimen. The analytical solutions for transient waves are derived using the integral transform method first by considering an arbitrary source shape and time excitation function, and then specifically for circular and line source shapes. The simulation study allows us not only to predict the behavior of individual wave modes but also to construct the overall responses; thus it helps us better understand the wave excitation mechanisms. The dispersive and multi-modal nature of laser-generated Lamb waves is presented by showing the spatiotemporal Fourier transform of displacements obtained by the simulation study. The transform, displayed in the frequency-wave number domain, enunciates the characteristics of the propagating individual Lamb wave modes. The simulation results are then compared with the 2-D Fourier transform of a set of experimental data obtained by scanning an aluminum plate specimen.     

Lamb mode reflections at the end of a plate loaded by a viscoelastic material

This paper deals with a study of the conversion of a Lamb wave at the loaded edge of a plate. An experimental study is performed to know the interaction of surface waves with a viscoelastic material. A Lamb wave is generated by a wedge. At the end of the plate, this wave gives rise to several reflected waves. A first study makes it possible qualitatively to know the Lamb modes present in reflection. Secondly, conversion phenomena are studied to know if surface waves are sensitive to evolution in the time of the viscoelastic material structure. The selected material is a sol-gel containing silica.     

轨道板中超声兰姆波传播的有限元计算和实验*

该文针对我国高速铁路轨道板缺陷的非接触动态检测问题,研究了空气耦合超声兰姆波在轨道板中的传播规律。首先,给出了轨道板中超声兰姆波的相速度和群速度频散曲线,结果表明:随着频厚积的增加,频散现象越明显,并且A0相速度收敛于Rayleigh波的波速。然后,建立轨道板中波传播的有限元模型,计算得到兰姆波传播的群速度为2220 m/s,且二维傅里叶变换系数的较大值沿Rayleigh波的频散曲线分布。最后,在沪杭高铁嘉兴南站进行了现场测试,以8.8°倾斜角向轨道板激励产生超声兰姆波,激发产生的兰姆波模态群速度为2325 m/s,且二维傅里叶变换分析其系数的较大值沿Rayleigh波的频散曲线分布。有限元计算结果和实验结果均与理论计算结果一致。该研究为后续轨道板缺陷的非接触动态检测提供了理论依据和实验方法。     

Experimental study of the A0 and S0 Lamb waves interaction with symmetrical notches

The aim of this work is to study the fundamental Lamb modes interaction with defects in isotropic plates. For these experimental investigations, symmetrical notches with various depths milled in aluminum plates are considered. Moreover, the incident Lamb wave of a specific mode is generated by means of two identical thin piezoceramic transducers placed at the opposite sides of the plate. The waves scattered by the notch are recorded with conventional transducers located on the plate surface in front and behind the defect. The selection of the A₀ or the S₀ modes is obtained by exciting the transducers with anti-phased or in-phased signals, respectively. Furthermore, a calibration process is investigated to correct errors caused by the presence of the receiver between the emitters and the defects. The power reflection and transmission coefficients are then obtained and the power balance is verified. Finally, these measurements are compared successfully with those obtained by a numerical method using the finite-element modeling described in a previous work.     

小样本字典学习的兰姆波模态识别方法*

针对兰姆波多模态识别问题,提出了基于小样本字典学习的模态识别方法。将多层复合板的频散特性看作一个线性时不变系统,首先,根据频散知识模拟各个模态传播特定距离后的信号,提取走时和能量特征创建字典;其次,获取待测信号的走时特征,通过查询字典来识别兰姆波模态;最后,根据能量参数估计结果,实现待测信号中各模态信号的分离和重构。通过对三层粘接的AAA板(铝板-亚克力板-铝板,每层厚度为2mm)中传播距离为0.3m、0.5m的直达波和反射波的实验验证,结果显示该方法对A0、S0模态的有效识别和各个波包信号的准确重建。     

Propagation characteristics of the laser-generated lower-order lamb waves in one-dimensional periodic thin plates

Using the finite element method (FEM), we study the thermoelastic generation and the transmitted power spectra (TPS) of Laser-generated lower-order Lamb wave mode in an one-dimensional thin aluminum plate engraved by a periodic rectangular grating. The calculation verified that the equally good Lamb waves band gaps can also exist in an one-component periodic structure and the width and location of the band gaps can be regulated by the parameters of the depth of the grooves (h), the ratio of the lattice period to the plate thickness (D/L) and the ratio of the width of the grooves to the lattice period (d/D). Specially, we suggest that Lamb wave band gaps can be substantially enlarged by using multiple periodic systems which consist of several pieces of periodic structure with different D/L.     

Piezoelectric transducer parameter selection for exciting a single mode from multiple modes of Lamb waves

Excitation and propagation of Lamb waves by using rectangular and circular piezoelectric transducers surface-bonded to an isotropic plate are investigated in this work. Analytical stain wave solutions are derived for the two transducer shapes, giving the responses of these transducers in Lamb wave fields. The analytical study is supported by a numerical simulation using the finite element method. Symmetric and antisymmetric components in the wave propagation responses are inspected in detail with respect to test parameters such as the transducer geometry, the length and the excitation frequency. By placing only one piezoelectric transducer on the top or the bottom surface of the plate and weakening the strength of one mode while enhancing the strength of the other modes to find the centre frequency, with which the peak wave amplitude ratio between the S0 and A0 modes is maximum, a single mode excitation from the multiple modes of the Lamb waves can be achieved approximately. Experimental data are presented to show the validity of the analyses. The results are used to optimize the Lamb wave detection system.     

多通道超声兰姆波检测板状结构中的裂纹

超声兰姆(Lamb)波在结构缺陷检测方面愈来愈受到重视,但目前Lamb波的应用局限于单信号源激励,单通道接收的方法,容易受到噪声干扰,其后续的信号分析处理也比较复杂。本文旨在采用多通道Lamb波对板状结构中的裂纹进行定量分析与诊断。在铝板的表面凿刻出不同深度的凹槽作为裂纹,通过线阵换能器采集在一定传播距离内的多通道Lamb波信号,并采用二维傅里叶变换分析在不同深度的裂纹下,Lamb波模式能量的变化规律。结果表明,相对于完好铝板中的Lamb波信号,裂纹的存在会使Lamb波发生模式转换现象,并且转换模式能量百分比随裂纹深度的增加而线性增加。其结果为Lamb波评价板状结构中的裂纹状况提供了一种可能的方法。     

Wideband dispersion removal and mode separation of Lamb waves based on two-component laser interferometer measurement

Ultrasonic Lamb waves are considered as a sensitive and effective tool for nondestructive testing and evaluation of plate-like or pipe-like structures. The nature of multimode and dispersion causes the wave packets to spread, and the modes overlap in both time and frequency domains as they propagate through the structures. By using a two-component laser interferometer technique, in combination with a priori knowledge of the dispersion characteristics and wave structure information of Lamb wave modes, a two-component signal processing technique is presented for implementing dispersion removal and mode separation simultaneously for two modes mixture signals of Lamb waves. The proposed algorithm is first processed and verified using synthetic Lamb wave signals. Then, the two-component displacements test experiment is conducted using different aluminum plate samples. Moreover, we confirm the effectiveness and robustness of this method.     

Importance of the near Lamb mode imaging of multilayered composite plates.

In recent years Lamb waves are being used for internal defect detection in multilayered composite plates. Different Lamb modes generate various stress levels in different layers. As a result, all Lamb modes are not equally sensitive to internal defects of various layers. A number of studies have been carried out to identify which Lamb mode is most effective for detecting defects in a specific layer. However, one shortcoming of the Lamb wave inspection technique is that in a symmetrically layered composite plate stress and displacement magnitudes and energy distribution profiles for all Lamb modes are symmetric about the central plane of the plate. As a result, the ability of a Lamb mode to detect defects in a specific layer of the plate is identical to its ability to detect defects in the corresponding layer of mirror symmetry. Hence, from the Lamb wave generated image one cannot distinguish between the defects in these two layers of mirror symmetry. In this paper it is investigated how by fine-tuning the frequency and the striking angle of the incident beam in the neighborhood of a Lamb mode one can separately detect internal defects in layers of mirror symmetry in the upper and lower halves of a plate.     

Laser-induced circumferential waves on hollow cylinder and their interaction with defects by finite element method

A three dimensional (3-D) finite element model for simulating laser induced circumferential wave on a hollow cylinder is developed based on the thermoelastical mechanism, which can take any laser source into account and simulate the interactions between circumferential wave and defects in the hollow cylinder. The model is verified by a control calculation. The results show that the waveforms of circumferential wave are in very good agreement with those available in literature, not only on the arrival time and shape but also on the amplitudes of A ₀, S ₀ and A₁ modes. Using the model, circumferential waves on the surfaces of two series hollow cylinders are simulated, one with same thickness but different outer radius, and the other with the same outer radius but different thickness. The results show that a new mode appears in circumferential wave, compared with Lamb wave in plate. With increase of thickness or radius, the amplitude of the new mode reduces. Another conclusion is that with increase of the thickness of the hollow cylinder, the circumferential wave evolves gradually to the cylindrical Rayleigh waveform, which results from the attenuation of the coupling effect between the outer and inner surface. Moreover, the circumferential waves generated on a hollow cylinder with a surface defect are also simulated, and the results indicate that in the circumferential waves obtained at the point beyond the defect, the amplitude of A ₀ mode decreases and its dispersion enhances. More importantly, a new bipolar waveform corresponding to the interaction of S ₀ mode with the defect appears, its amplitude is larger than three times of that of S ₀ mode. As a result, we consider that the new bipolar waveform will be the optimal feature to nondestructively detect the surface defect on the hollow cylinder.     

焊接薄板中S0兰姆波对槽型缺陷响应特性的数值研究*

采用数值仿真方法,就焊接薄板中S_0兰姆波对槽型缺陷的响应特性以及焊缝对S_0兰姆波槽型缺陷检测灵敏度的影响开展了数值研究。数值仿真结果表明,S_0_R信号(经槽型缺陷反射的S_0兰姆波回波信号)的反射比率随槽型缺陷深度的增大而单调增加;S_0_R信号的反射比率随槽型缺陷宽度的变化呈非单调变化关系,可将S_0_R信号的反射比率及其持续时间一并加以考虑,以评价槽型缺陷宽度的变化。随着焊缝余高的增加,S_0兰姆波对槽型缺陷的检测灵敏度将降低;随着焊缝宽度的增加,S_0兰姆波对槽型缺陷检测灵敏度的影响并不明显;相比之下,焊缝余高是影响S_0兰姆波槽型缺陷检测灵敏度的主要因素。研究结果表明,将S_0兰姆波用于检测隐藏于焊缝背后的槽型缺陷,是具有可行性的。所得结果对于发展焊接薄板的超声兰姆波无损检测技术,具有一定的理论指导意义和实际参考价值。     

An oscillator using high order Lamb wave modes

An oscillator using high order Lamb wave modes is presented. Due to the multimode property of Lamb waves, high frequency oscillators using high order mode Lamb waves can be fabricated. To select the operating mode of the Lamb wave oscillator, a high order mode selector is inserted into the feedback loop. An oscillator using the 13th antisymmetric mode (a₁₃) in Lamb wave is achieved in experiments and the oscillating frequency is 5.30 times higher than that of the a₀ mode excited by the interdigital transducer.     

基于时间反转理论的聚焦Lamb波结构损伤成像

从理论和实验上研究了时间反转法在频散和多模式的Lamb波结构健康检测方面的应用.当Lamb波在包含有损伤的板类结构中传播时,损伤的存在表现为一个被动波源.采用分布式传感器网络,基于传递函数的观点,通过推导由损伤这个被动波源产生的时间反转波场幅值的表达式,证实了当观察点位于损伤位置时,时间反转波场的幅值最大.为验证时间反转方法的聚焦效应,提出了一种适合于分布的激励/接收传感器网络的成像方法,该方法可以对损伤定位并近似确定损伤尺寸.结合有限元的实验结果显示了Lamb波检测信号的能量可在损伤处聚焦,表明时间反转     

超声Lamb波二次谐波发生效率分析与模式选择

在导波模式展开分析方法的基础上,提出激发效率参量来定量表征超声Lamb波积累二次谐波的发生效率。以P92钢板为例,理论计算得到了与频散曲线对应的理论激发效率参量分布图谱,从图谱中选择理论激发效率参量大小不同的两种基频Lamb波模式:纵波型S1模式和交点型A2/S2模式,分别测量这两种基频Lamb波模式在钢板中传播时产生的二次谐波信号。理论计算和实验测量结果表明,这两种基频Lamb波模式的理论和实验激发效率参量的比值基本一致,且激发效率参量较大的纵波型S1模式能激发出效率更高的二次谐波信号。研究结果表明激发效率参量可以有效的用于Lamb波二次谐波发生效率的表征及模式选择。      

On the reflection of coupled Rayleigh-like waves at surface defects in plates

The reflection of coupled Rayleigh-like waves from surface defects in elastic plates is investigated experimentally and analyzed on the basis of an analytical model and finite difference simulations. The propagation of Rayleigh-like waves in plates is characterized by an energy transfer to the opposite plate side and back over a distance called the beat length. Experimental results clearly show this beating effect and its dependency on the frequency-thickness product, and excellent agreement is obtained with existing analytical predictions. The propagation and scattering are modeled separately for the fundamental A(0) and S(0) Lamb modes that constitute the incident Rayleigh-like wave. The reflection coefficients from surface slots are investigated using finite difference simulations and the reflected Rayleigh-like wave is obtained by superposition. The theoretical model reveals strong dependencies of the reflected field on the ratio between excitation distance and beat length and on the cutoff frequencies of specific higher Lamb modes. Standard pulse-echo measurements allow for the detection of small defects from a remote transducer location. Good agreement is obtained between the predicted and measured amplitude spectra of the reflected Rayleigh-like wave. The developed model allows for the evaluation of defect location and damaged plate side using a combination of time-of-flight and frequency measurements.