Characterization of Tensile and Fatigue Damages in Composite Structures Using Lamb Wave for Improved Structural Health Monitoring

Abstract

The majority of ultrasonic characterizations are done on thermoplastics, with just a few articles available on the characterization of thermoset resin characteristics. A non-destructive methodology for monitoring fatigue and static deformation induced by mechanical loading on a fiber-reinforced plastic is presented. However, these materials’ dynamics of elastic waves are considerably more complicated. A large part was devoted to the calculation of dispersion curves of guided waves in composites. Therefore, this study presents a thorough description of the Glass/Epoxy system by comparing ultrasonic and mechanical data. Ultrasonic wave propagation at high frequencies, functioning as a dynamic mechanical deformation, may be utilized to calculate longitudinal and shear moduli during static and dynamic loading. The evolution of attenuation and velocity during loading is linked to the significant changes that occur during the aging process. The experimental transfer function is determined by the Fourier transform of all the obtained ultrasonic echoes.