Simulation Research on Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Detection of Layered Composite Interface Defects Using Matlab Computer Software

Abstract

In this paper, a mathematical model and a finite element model are established to describe the dispersion characteristics of acoustic modes in a two-layer medium. Air-coupled ultrasound was used to detect interfacial defects in a laminated composite. An appropriate excitation signal was simulated to locate interface defects by both MATLAB (for the numerical model) and ANSYS (for the finite element model) software tools. The results confirmed that the mode of the excitation wave was consistent with the materials of the layered structure, which ensured propagation of the wave into each layer whereas avoiding the phenomenon of total reflection that prevents complete detection of the interfacial adhesive properties in the layered composite structure. This study demonstrates that the size of an interface defect should be simulated interchangeably using both MATLAB and ANSYS software. As such, it is feasible to detect the interfacial quality of laminated composites by air-coupled ultrasonic waves.