Theoretical modeling of low-attenuation lamb wave modes generation in three-layer adhesive joints using angle beam transducer

Abstract

In this paper, at first the attenuation of Lamb waves in threelayer adhesive joints, including two elastic plates bonded together by a viscoelastic adhesive layer, is investigated using Global matrix method and then suitable incidence angle is theoretically calculated to generate low-attenuation Lamb waves using angle beam transducer. Theoretical boundary value problem in threelayer adhesive joints with perfect bond and traction-free boundary conditions on their outer surfaces is solved to find a combination of frequencies and modes with lowest attenuation. Characteristic equation is derived by applying continuity and boundary conditions in three-layer joints using Global matrix method. Phase velocity dispersion curves and attenuation intensity plot in high and low frequencies are obtained with numerical solution of this equation by a computer code for a three-layer joint, including an aluminum repair patch bonded to the aircraft aluminum skin by a layer of viscoelastic epoxy adhesive. To validate the numerical solution results of characteristic equation, wave structure curves are plotted for a special mode in two different frequencies in the adhesive joint. Also, transducer incidence angle is calculated in terms of frequency for different modes using theoretical method to generate Lamb wave modes with low attenuation level by angle beam transducer. These modes are recognizable by transducers in inspections with Lamb waves because of low attenuation level.

Comparative Study of Coupling Techniques in Lamb Wave Testing of Metallic and Cementitious Plates

“…Stoneley and Scholte waves travel in solid-solid and liquid-solid interfaces (or half-spaces), respectively. For pipes or cylindrical rods, cylindrical guided waves appear and the guided waves that occur in plates (or multilayered plates [6,7]) are known as Lamb waves [1].…”

“…Different techniques can be used to change the inclination of the transducers, such as the contact technique with angle beam wedge transducers [7,36,37], immersion coupling [3,13,38] and air coupling [19,39,40]. Angle beam wedge transducers are basically longitudinal wave transducers placed on wedges with a certain angle.…”