Numerical and Experimental Study of Guided Waves Propagation in Composite Beam with Damage

Abstract

The theme of the present work is the analysis of the guided waves propagation along a flat, narrow composite plate (beam). The investigated structure is made of the multi - layered composite material (carbon fabric with epoxy resin). The applied material posses the quasi - isotropic mechanical properties. The guided waves are generated with the use of the piezoelectric activator. The finite element method is used in order to carried out the computer simulations. The plain state of the strain is assumed. The computations are performed for the intact and the damaged structure. In the case of the damaged structure the received signal (voltage) is significantly different in comparison with the intact structure. The qualitatively similar results are obtained from the experimental investigations.