Spectral Element Modelling of Wave Propagation and Impedance Based SHM Systems

Abstract

In recent years many SHM approaches based on elastic waves that are generated and sensed by surface-bonded piezoelectric patches have been developed. Some of those utilize wave propagation phenomena; others use changes in the electromechanical impedance to detect structural damage. The capability of most approaches strongly depends on adequate choice of SHM system parameters like excitation signals and actuator/sensor types and positions. For this reason there is a growing interest in efficient and accurate si…