Application of Laser Vibrometry to Assess Defects in Ship Hull’s Welded Joints’ Technical Condition

Abstract

The paper presents the measurement process and test results for six thin-walled plates with different dynamic characteristics caused by different defects of welded joints. The tests were carried out using non-destructive testing (NDT). The authors made an attempt to determine the validity of the use and degree of effectiveness of the tests based on laser vibrometry in detecting defects in welded joints. The tests of welded plates were carried out using displacement laser sensors and piezoelectric accelerometers, while the source of vibration extortion was a modal hammer. In the adopted measurement methodology, the application of accelerometers was to obtain the reference data, which allowed for comparison with the measurement data obtained from the laser vibrometer. The analysis of the obtained measurement data, in the fields of time and frequency, made it possible to verify the correctness of the data obtained by means of laser vibrometry and to determine the requirements which are necessary for the correct performance of NDT tests and in the future structural health monitoring (SHM) system of welded joints with the use of a laser vibrometer. The mathematical model developed in the MSC software Pastran-Nastran was also used in the work. The model was developed for the purpose of mutual verification of the measurement and calculation tests. At the present stage of work, it can be stated that the results obtained by laser vibrometry methods should be treated as a supplement to the research conducted with traditional piezoelectric accelerometers. In certain situations, they can be used as an alternative to accelerometers, due to the fact that laser sensors do not require direct contact with the examined object. Where the object under test may be in a strong electromagnetic field, optical sensors are better suited than contact sensors.