Multiple Crack Detection of Concrete Structures Using Impedance-based Structural Health Monitoring Techniques

This paper presents a feasibility study for practical applications of an impedance-based real-time health monitoring technique applying PZT (Lead–Zirconate–Titanate) patches to concrete structures. First, comparison between experimental and analytical studies for damage detection on a plain concrete beam is made. In the experimental study, progressive surface damage inflicted artificially on the plain concrete beam is assessed by using both lateral and thickness modes of the PZT patches. Then, an analytical study based on finite element (FE) models is carried out to verify the validity of the experimental result. Secondly, multiple (shear and flexural) cracks incurred in a reinforced concrete (RC) beam under a third point bending test are monitored continuously by using a sensor array system composed of the PZT patches. In this study, a root mean square deviation (RMSD) in the impedance signatures of the PZT patches is used as a damage indicator.     

Dynamic stability analysis of composite plates including delaminations using a higher order theory and transformation matrix approach

A refined higher order shear deformation theory is used to investigate the dynamic instability associated with composite plates with delamination that are subject to dynamic compressive loads. Both transverse shear and rotary inertia effects are taken into account. The theory is capable of modeling the independent displacement field above and below the delamination. All stress free boundary conditions at free surfaces as well as delamination interfaces are satisfied by this theory. The procedure is implemented using the finite element method. Delamination is modeled through the multi-point constraint approach using the transformation matrix technique. For validation purposes, the natural frequencies and the critical buckling loads are computed and compared with three-dimensional NASTRAN results and available experimental data. The effect of delamination on the critical buckling load and the first two instability regions is investigated for various loading conditions and plate thickness. As expected, the natural frequencies and the critical buckling load of the plates with delaminations decrease with increase in delamination length. Increase in delamination length also causes instability regions to be shifted to lower parametric resonance frequencies. The effect of edge delamination on the static and dynamic stability as well as of delamination growth is investigated.     

On the relationship between impact energy and delamination area

Thin glass/epoxy plates fabricated from 3M prepreg tape were subjected to low-velocity impact. Delamination in the impacted composite plates was measured by edge replication and was identified as the major damage mode. The effects of fiber orientation, thickness, and lamination on the delamination resistance were investigated. Experimental results verified three previous findings: (1) a linear relationship holds between delamination area and impact energy, (2) the mismatch of bending stiffness between adjacent laminae can be correlated with the delamination area on the interface, and (3) the behavior of a thin composite plate under low-velocity impact is very similar to that caused by global bending. In addition, based on the calculation of impact energy per unit delamination area, the dynamic fracture energy and the energy of dissipation in the thin glass/epoxy plates can be examined.     

Three-dimensional instability problems for viscoelastic composite materials and structural members

Investigations of viscoelastic composite materials and structural members carried out using the TDLTSDB and initial-imperfection method are reviewed. The investigations address the internal and surface loss of stability of layered and fibrous composites, the loss of stability of plates, and the delamination (buckling) of plates with cracks. Each of these problems is reviewed separately. New areas of further research are proposed. The review focuses on the investigations carried out by the author and his students Published in Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 43, No. 10, pp. 3–27, October 2007.     

复合材料层压板低速冲击响应尺度效应数值模拟研究

为了研究尺度效应对于复合材料层压板在低速冲击作用下的动态响应和冲击损伤的影响,基于相似理论,建立了三种不同尺寸的层压板受冲击的三维有限元模型。在该模型中,针对层压板的面内损伤,采用改进的Chang-Chang准则进行预测;针对层压板内层间分层损伤,则使用Cohesive界面单元进行模拟。一旦复合材料层压板在低速冲击作用下产生损伤,则对出现损伤的区域进行材料参数退化。采用该模型对三种不同尺寸的层压板的冲击过程进行有限元分析,并将不同冲击速度下的冲击响应进行比较,得出了如下结论：在层压板内未发生冲击损伤时,冲击产生的挠度和冲击力与相似理论解十分吻合,一旦出现冲击损伤,则冲击力的变化与相似理论解有所差别;如果两个缩放模型的冲击速度之比等于缩放比例的平方根,则两个模型中的相对分层尺寸基本是相同的,这个结果与已有的实验结果吻合;而对冲击后面内损伤的分析表明,其损伤尺寸不符合这一相似规律。     

具有分层损伤的不同加筋形式复合材料层合板的后屈曲性态研究

基于板的一阶剪切理论和V on-K arm an大挠度理论,分别推导了复合材料层合板和层合梁的几何非线性有限元列式,提出了含嵌入分层的复合材料加筋层合板在受压缩载荷作用下的后屈曲有限元分析方法,对在板厚方向具有不同分层位置的加筋板结构进行了有限元数值分析,研究了不同的加筋方式及筋的分布对具有分层损伤的复合材料加筋层合板的后屈曲性态的影响,所得结果对确定在压缩载荷作用下含损伤复合材料加筋层合板的剩余承载能力具有参考价值。     

Effect of permanent indentation on the delamination threshold for small mass impact on plates

Small mass impacts on composite structures are common cases caused by hailstones and runway debris. Small mass impactors usually result in a wave controlled local response, which is independent of boundary conditions. This response occurs before the reflection of waves from the boundaries and cannot be modeled by large mass drop weight tests. An elasto-plastic contact law, which accounts for permanent indentation and damage effects, was used here to study small mass impact on laminated composite plates. By comparing with results from the Hertzian contact law, it was found that damage can change the dynamic response of the structure significantly with increasing impact velocity. Due to smaller contact force generated for the case of using elasto-plastic contact, the central displacement of the plate is also less than the one using Hertzian contact law. The linearized version of the contact law was then used to derive the closed-form approximations of the contact force, indentation and plate central displacement for the impact loading of composite laminates. The threshold velocity for delamination onset under small mass impact was predicted analytically based on the obtained peak contact forces by combining with an existing quasi-static delamination threshold load criterion. A good agreement was found between the predicted threshold values and published experimental results.     

A C<Superscript>0</Superscript>-type zig–zag theory and finite element for laminated composite and sandwich plates with general configurations

In order to conveniently develop C⁰ continuous element for the accurate analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates with general configurations, this paper develops a C⁰-type zig–zag theory in which the interlaminar continuity of transverse shear stresses is a priori satisfied and the number of unknowns is independent of the number of layers. The present theory is applicable not only to the cross-ply but also to the angle-ply laminated composite and sandwich plates. On the premise of retaining the merit of previous zig–zag theories, the derivatives of transverse displacement have been taken out from the displacement fields. Therefore, based on the proposed zig–zag theory, it is very easy to construct the C⁰ continuous element. To assess the performance of the proposed model, the classical quadratic six-node triangular element with seven degrees of freedom at each node is presented for the static analysis of laminated composite and sandwich plates. The typical examples are taken into account to assess the performance of finite element based on the proposed zig–zag theory by comparing the present results with the three-dimensional elasticity solutions. Numerical results show that the present model can produce the more accurate deformations and stresses compared with the previous zig–zag theories.     

复合材料板冲击损伤检测的二维间隔平滑法

本文发展了一种基于振动的复合材料板的损伤检测方法,将原有的一维间隔平滑法(1D GSM,one dimensional gapped smoothing method)发展至二维(2D GSM),并进一步提出二维间隔平滑法的标准化损伤指标.与其他多数基于振动分析的损伤检测方法不同,该方法只需分析含有损伤结构的检测数据,无需结构健康时的数据或理论、计算结果作为对比信号,即可判定缺陷的存在,并能准确定位.针对由冲击造成的准各向同性碳纤维增强复合材料板中的层裂损伤,本文采用压电片阵列组合激励的方式,得到了复合材料板多频率扭转振型的同时激励,可实现快速、高效的损伤检测.通过扫描式激光测振仪测得结构在不同固定频率下的结构响应ODS(operational deflection shapes),利用提出的二维间隔平滑法,分析得出损伤指标.实验结果表明,二维间隔平滑法可以准确地检测碳纤维增强复合材料板的冲击损伤,并具有较好的精度.     

Precracking and interfacial delamination in a bi-material structure: Static and dynamic loadings

The behavior of a precracked bi-material structure interface under given static and dynamic axial loading is an interest object in the present paper.Firstly,it is shown that the shear-lag model is a proper tool to analyze a delamination process in a precracked bi-material structure undergoing static loading.Secondly,the"shear-lag model"is applied to the structure under dynamic loading.To solve the problem for an interface delamination of the structure and to determine the debond length along the interface,our own 2D boundary element method(BEM)code is proposed in the case of static loading,and the shear-lag model together with the Laplace transforms and half-analytical calculations are used in the case of dynamic loading.The interface layer is assumed as a very thin plate compared with the other two.The parametric(geometric and elastic)analysis of the debond length and interface shear stress is done. The results from the 2D BEM code proved the validity of analytical solutions to the shear-lag model.In the dynamic case,the influence of loading characteristics,i.e.,frequencies and amplitude fluctuations on the shear stress and the value of debond length for an interval of time,is discussed. The analysis of the obtained results is illustrated by an example of the modern ceramic-metal composite,namely cermet, and depicted in figures.     

Damage assessment of tensegrity structures using piezo transducers

This paper presents the application of surface-bonded piezo-transducers for damage assessment of tensegrity structures through dynamic strain measurement and electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) technique. The two techniques are first applied on a single module tensegrity structure, 1 m×1 m in size and their damage diagnosis results compared. A single piezoelectric-ceramic (PZT) patch bonded on a strut measures the dynamic strain during an impact excitation of the structure. Damage is identified from the changes in global frequencies of the structure obtained from the PZT patch’s response. This is compared with the damage identified using the EMI technique, which is a signature based technique and operates at frequencies of the order of kHz. The dynamic strain approach, which requires commonly available hardware, is found to exhibit satisfactory performance vis-à-vis the EMI technique for damage assessment of tensegrity structures. The damage diagnosis exercise is then extended to a tensegrity grid structure, 2 m×2 m size, fabricated using galvanized iron (GI) pipes and mild steel wire ropes. The damage is localized using changes in natural frequencies observed experimentally using the dynamic strain approach and the corresponding mode shapes of the undamaged structure derived numerically. The dynamic strain approach is found to be very expedient, displays competitive performance and is at the same time cost effective for damage assessment of tensegrity structures.     

A novel technique for time-resolved detection and tracking of interfacial and matrix fracture in layered materials

A novel experimental technique is developed for time-resolved detection and tracking of damage in the forms of delamination and matrix cracking in layered materials such as composite laminates. The technique is non-contact in nature and uses dual or quadruple laser interferometers for high temporal resolution. Simultaneous measurements of differential displacement and velocity at individual locations are obtained to analyze the initiation and progression of interfacial fracture and/or matrix cracking/delamination in a polymer matrix composite laminate system reinforced by graphite fibers. The measurements at multiple locations allow the speeds at which interfacial crack front (mode-I) or matrix cracking/delamination front (mode-II dominated) propagates to be determined. Experiments carried out use three-point bend configurations. Impact loading is achieved using a modified Kolsky bar apparatus with a complete set of diagnostics for load, deformation, deformation rate, and input energy measurement. This technique is used to characterize the full process of damage initiation and growth. The experiments also focused on the quantification of the speed at which delamination or damage propagates under primarily mode-I and mode-II conditions. The results show that the speed of delamination (mode-I) or the speed of matrix cracking/delamination (primarily mode-II) increases linearly with impact velocity. Furthermore, speeds of matrix failure/delamination under primarily mode-II conditions are much higher than the speeds of mode-I crack induced delamination under mode-I conditions.     

考虑面内破坏过程的含分层损伤复合材料加筋层合板的动力响应

基于复合材料层合板一阶剪切理论，推导了复合材料层合板单元的刚度阵和质量阵列式；同时采用了Adams应交能法与Rayleigh阻尼模型相结合的方法，构造了相应的阻尼阵列式；为了防止在低阶模态中分层处出现的上、下子板不合理的嵌入现象，建立了含分层损伤复合材料加筋层合板动力分析的分层分析模型和虚拟界面联接模型。在上述模型和理论基础上，采用了Tsai提出的刚度退化准则和动力响应分析的精细积分法，对含分层损伤复合材料加筋层合板结构进行了动力响应和破坏分析。通过算例，分别讨论了外载频率、分层位置，以及破坏过程的刚度退化对含损伤复合材料加筋层合板动力响应特征的影响，得到了一些具有理论和工程价值的结论。     

Delamination of laminated composite plates by p-convergent partial discrete-layer elements with VCCT

The simulation of the delamination process in laminated composite plates is quite complex and requires advanced finite element modeling techniques. Failure analysis tools must be able to predict initiation, size and propagation of delamination process. This paper presents the p-convergent partial discrete-layer elements with the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) for the delamination analysis of laminated composite plates. The proposed element can be formulated by the suitable dimensional reduction from three-dimensional solid to two-dimensional plate. It is assumed that the piecewise linear variation of in-plane displacements and the constant value of out-of-plane displacements across the thickness. The higher-order approximation based on integrals of Legendre polynomials is used to define displacement fields. The three-dimensional VCCT is also slightly modified to incorporate with the proposed elements to estimate the energy release rate. The initiation of delamination occurs when the energy release rate for a displacement increment is same as the critical energy release rate corresponding to fracture toughness. The approach is to use a fracture mechanics criterion, but to avoid the complex moving mesh technique. At first, the validation and characteristic of the proposed elements are investigated on isotropic plates and orthotropic laminated plates, compared with referenced values. Then for fracture analysis, the efficiency of proposed approach is demonstrated with the help of additionally two problems such as the double-cantilever-beam test and the orthotropic laminated square plate with interior delamination.     

Numerical analysis of delamination growth for stiffened composite laminated plates

A study of postbuckling and delamination propagation behavior in delaminated stiffened composite plates was presented. A methodology was proposed for simulating the multi-failure responses, such as initial and postbuckling, delamination onset and propagation, etc. A finite element analysis was conducted on the basis of the Mindlin first order shear effect theory and the von-K6rm~n nonlinear deformation assumption. The total energy release rate used as the criteria of delamination growth was estimated with virtual crack closure technique (VCCT). A self-adaptive grid moving technology was adopted to model the delamination growth process. Moreover, the contact effect along delamination front was also considered during the numerical simulation process. By some numerical examples, the influence of distribution and location of stiffener, configuration and size of the delamination, boundary condition and contact effect upon the delamination growth behavior of the stiffened composite plates were investigated. The method and numerical conclusion provided should be of great value to engineers dealing with composite structures.     

An experimental study of dynamic delamination of thick fiber reinforced polymeric matrix composites

Dynamic delamination of thick fiber reinforced polymeric matrix composite laminates is investigated using optical techniques and high-speed photography. The laminates used in this work are graphite/epoxy fiber reinforced, 65 percent fiber volume fraction, composite plates consisting of 48 plies (6 mm plate thickness). Two different laminate layups are tested: a quasi-isotropic arrangement and a unidirectional arrangement. The experimental setup consists of 152 mm×152 mm square plates impact loaded in an outof-plane configuration using a high-speed gas gun. Impact speeds range from 1 m/s to 30 m/s. Real-time imaging of the laminate out-of-pane displacement is performed using the lateral shearing interferometer of coherent gradient sensing (CGS) in conjunction with high-speed photography. Onset of dynamic delamination can be observed, and quantities such as delamination speeds (in some cases up to 1800 m/s) are measured and reported. A brief comparison is made with dynamic fracture experiments of the same material conducted in a separate study.     

Post-buckled propagation model for compressive fatigue of impact damaged laminates

An analytical model for prediction of compressive fatigue threshold strains in composite plates with barely visible impact damage (BVID) is presented. The model represents the complex damage morphology as a single circular delamination at a critical level and calculates the strain at which thin-film buckling of the circular delaminated region occurs. The threshold strain is defined as the strain at which the strain energy release rate for the fracture of post-buckled delaminated plies along the delamination is equal to the critical Mode I value (G_1C) for the resin. The model predicts the critical through-thickness level for delamination, the stability of delamination growth and also the sensitivity to experimental error in geometric measurements of the damage area. Results obtained using the model show an agreement of fatigue strain to within 4% of experimental values for four sets of data reported in the literature.     

A low-dimensional model for delamination in a laterally loaded composite beam: Theory and experiment

Delamination is an important failure mechanism in certain types of composite structures. As layers of the composite become separated from one another, the composite loses some of its structural integrity and may not be capable of supporting the intended loads. Detecting this type of damage is currently a problem of interest to the structural health monitoring community. However, in order to design an appropriate detection strategy, knowledge of the underlying physics of delaminated structures is essential. Here, a low-dimensional model of a delamination in a laminated beam is developed. The model consists of only five elements yet is capable of capturing much of the behavior observed in an accompanying experiment. Both experimental and theoretical results are presented for the static response of a thin, delaminated beam.     

Effects of stress ratio on fatigue life of carbon-carbon composites

Cyclic loading causes cumulative damage and therefore degrades the inelastic properties of composite materials. Present work investigates the damage development under tension-tension fatique, and the effect of stress ratio on the fatigue life of carbon-carbon (C/C) composites at room temperature at a frequency of 3 Hz. The fatigue damage has been identified through ultrasonic non-destructive technique, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.From the S-N curve it has been observed that the endurance strength of C/C composite is quite high; approximately 85% of the ultimate tensile strength. The fatigue life of C/C composites has also been observed to increase with the stress ratio. Matrix cracks, filament splitting within the yarns, complete delamination and the nucleation of the interfacial flaws have been identified as the failure mechanisms during the fatigue tests. On the other hand, the failure modes during the static test were found to be complete fiber fracture accompanied by partial delamination. A statistical fatigue life distribution for carbon-carbon composites has also been presented in this paper.     

Static, stability and dynamic analysis of gradient elastic flexural Kirchhoff plates

The governing equation of motion of gradient elastic flexural Kirchhoff plates, including the effect of in-plane constant forces on bending, is explicitly derived. This is accomplished by appropriately combining the equations of flexural motion in terms of moments, shear and in-plane forces, the moment–stress relations and the stress–strain equations of a simple strain gradient elastic theory with just one constant (the internal length squared), in addition to the two classical elastic moduli. The resulting partial differential equation in terms of the lateral deflection of the plate is of the sixth order instead of the fourth, which is the case for the classical elastic case. Three boundary value problems dealing with static, stability and dynamic analysis of a rectangular simply supported all-around gradient elastic flexural plate are solved analytically. Non-classical boundary conditions, in additional to the classical ones, have to be utilized. An assessment of the effect of the gradient coefficient on the static or dynamic response of the plate, its buckling load and natural frequencies is also made by comparing the gradient type of solutions against the classical ones.