Network Wavefield Imaging for Complex Discontinuities in Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guided wave imaging methods for structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation of plate-like structures are unable to provide high-resolution images of complex discontinuities, including their location, size, and detailed shape, particularly for irregular shapes and multiple discontinuities.
Innovation Solution
A network wavefield imaging method combining tomography and wavefield/wavenumber imaging algorithms, using multiple actuators to generate guided waves from different angles and measuring wavefield data with non-contact sensors like scanning laser Doppler vibrometers, to create synthetic images that quantify complex discontinuities in plate-like structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional ultrasonic waves are used for damage detection, then the detection capability is provided, but the energy loss is high and propagation distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wave propagation parameters by using guided ultrasonic waves instead of conventional ultrasonic waves. This parameter change enables long-distance propagation with reduced energy loss, as guided waves can travel along plate-like structures over much longer distances while maintaining signal strength and requiring less energy input.
2Measurement precision
If existing GW imaging methods are used, then damage detection is achieved, but the image resolution is not high enough to show complete discontinuity profile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two imaging approaches: tomography methods that provide structural imaging capability and wavefield/wavenumber imaging algorithms that provide high-resolution wave propagation information. This combination enables the system to achieve both complete discontinuity profiling and detailed shape visualization, overcoming the limitations of either method used alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-by-point measurements to comprehensive wavefield analysis by incorporating wavenumber domain processing. This dimensional change in the analysis approach (from spatial domain to wavenumber domain and back) enables extraction of complete discontinuity profiles including size, location, and shape information that cannot be obtained through conventional single-point measurement methods.
3Loss of information
If tomography imaging is used with multiple actuators, then defect location and approximate size are shown, but detailed shape of defects cannot be illustrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wavefield and wavenumber imaging algorithms as intermediary processing steps between the raw tomography data and the final defect characterization. These intermediary algorithms process the wave propagation data to extract detailed shape information, acting as a bridge that transforms basic location/size data into comprehensive defect profiles including precise shape characterization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-resolution detection and visualization of complex discontinuities, including their location, size, and shape, providing superior imaging capabilities for structural health monitoring and nondestructive evaluation, particularly in aerospace and automotive industries.
Implementation Method 1
guided wave (GW) network wavefield imaging methods which combine tomography and wavefield/wavenumber imaging algorithms for imaging complex discontinuities or shapes in plate-like structures
Implementation Method 2
non-contact laser Doppler vibrometry
Implementation Method 3
measuring wavefield data with non-contact sensors like scanning laser Doppler vibrometers
Data Source
AI summary
Network wavefield imaging methods are able to image significantly complex discontinuities or shapes in plate-like structures for superior ultrasonic structural health monitoring (SHM)/nondestructive evaluation (NDE). The imaging provides high-resolution location, shape and/or size images of a structure, and for discontinuities with more complicated profiles. Guided wave (GW) network wavefield imaging methods combine tomography and wavefield/wavenumber imaging algorithms. Metallic plate damage detection uses guided ultrasonic waves and non-contact laser vibrometry. Guided waves are generated by piezoelectric transducers (PZT). A non-contact scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) measures the full velocity plate guided wave wavefields. Developed network wavefield imaging algorithms account for multiple-actuator excitations from different angles enclosing the discontinuity, with algorithms using intrinsic wave characteristics such as wavefield, wavenumber, or reconstructed wave energy. Determined locations, sizes and shapes of highlighted areas in wavefield, wavenumber and/or filter reconstructed energy-based images correlate with location, size and shape of damage in metallic plates.