A comparative convergence and accuracy study of composite guided-ultrasonic wave solution methods: Comparing the unified analytic method, SAFE method and DISPERSE

Abstract

Multiple approaches and programs are available to the public to predict ultrasonic guided-wave propagation dispersion curves in a material. Each approach and program will have its own advantage and disadvantage making it suitable for a specific end use and less suitable for others. This manuscript aims to compare three different guided-ultrasonic wave dispersion curves retrieval methods for multiple cases. First a single layer of isotropic, unidirectional, orthotropic and monoclinic material is examined, followed by a multi-layer case (consisting of 10 layers of the aforementioned materials) and finally four different laminates and one sandwich laminate are evaluated. The goal of this manuscript is to give a concise overview of the advantages and limitations of each approach to assist the end user in choosing the right program to use.