This research focuses on the application of guided waves techniques to nondestructively characterize the structural integrity of bonded engineering components. Computational methods are used to examine the properties of multi-layered, adhesive bonded plates. This study quantifies the effect of the adhesive bond parameters (Young's modulus, Poisson's ration and bond thickness) on the dispersion curves. A commercial finite element (FE) code (ABAQUS/Explicit) is used for the numerical model while the global matrix method and the waveguide FE method are used to benchmark the resulting dispersion relationships in the form of a frequency-wavenumber or slowness-frequency relation. The postprocessing of FE data includes the two-dimensional Fourier transform (2D-FFT) and the short-time Fourier transform (STFT). Note that the 2D-FFT and STFT operate on multiple or just one transient output signals of the FE results respectively, while the waveguide FE method uses mass-, damping- and stiffness-matrices to generate the dispersion relations. In the dispersion relations, a set of bond parameter sensitive and FE-visible points is selected. The frequency locations of these points represent the solution criteria for the inversion procedure based on the global matrix method. The capabilities of the inversion process depend on the number of transient output signals from an FE simulation for the forward problem.

Essa dissertação aborda o tema de propagação de ondas de tensão em hastes metálicas retangulares. Este tipo de onda pode ser utilizada como base na verificação da integridade estrutural através de um ensaio não destrutivo (END). A propagação de ondas elásticas em sólidos apresenta muito potencial quando se deseja estimar a integridade de determinada estrutura. Porém para transformar esse fenômeno físico em uma técnica aplicável na detecção de danos, alguns passos devem ser seguidos, dentre eles: a compreensão das características de propagação da estrutura em estudo, in teração das ondas elásticas com defeitos, aten uação das ondas propagadoras devido a fontes de amortecimento e dispersão. Neste contexto o presente trabalho tem o principal foco no desenvolvimento de uma metodologia eficiente para a investigação da propagação de ondas de tensão em hastes retangulares metálicas, abordando o tema por diversos aspectos. No decorrer do mesmo são calcu ladas as curvas de dispersão de uma haste retangular com seção transversal de 15 x5 [rum], para uma faixa de frequência determinada [0,100 kHz], utilizando três metodologias distintas e realizando a comparação crítica entre elas. São realizadas investigações teóricas, de forma analítica e numérica (via análise explícita empregando elementos finitos) e uma inves tigação experimental das características de propagação da geometria referida. Também os efeitos da aten uação das ondas na geometria é estudado. Os resulta dos obtidos são discutidos procurando mostrar sua coerência e enfatizando a informação sobre o comportamento mecânico das ondas de tensão nesse tipo de estrutura, observando aspectos relevantes à concepção de técnicas de END que possi bilitem a avaliação da integridade dessas estruturas. / This dissertation addresses the issue of propagation of stress waves in metallic rectangular rods. This type of wave can be used as the integrity check structural integrity through a non-destructive test (NDT). The propagation of elastic waves in solids has a lot of potential when estimating the given structure integrity. But to turn this physical phenomenon in an applicable technique for the detection of damage, some steps should be taken, including: understanding of propagating characteristics of the structure under study, interaction of elastic waves with defects, attenuation of the propagating waves due to sources of damping and dispersion. In this context, the present work is the main focus in developing an effective methodology for investigating the propagation of stress waves in rectangular metal rods, addressing the issue by several aspects. During the same are calculated dispersion curves of a rod with rectangular cross section 15 x5 [mm], for a given frequency range [0,100 kHz], using three different methodologies and performing the critical comparison between them. Are performed theoretical investigations, in analytical and numerical form (via explicit analysis using finite element) and an experimental investigation of the propagation features said geometry. Also the effects of attenuation of the waves on geometry is studied. The results are discussed trying to show their consistency and emphasizing information about the mechanical behavior of stress waves in this type of structure, observing relevant aspects to the design of NDT techniques to enable the assessment of the integrity of these structures.

In recent decades techniques related to the measurement of elastic waves have advanced significantly. It is now possible with relatively inexpensive equipment to record amplitudes and frequency bands that were unthinkable two decades ago. This has led to the development of theoretical topics which application was questionable until not long ago, to profit from new technological potential in obtaining more and better experimental information. In this context the study of the propagation of guided waves in solids is presented as a knowledge that allows to detect damage with efficiency and economy in a number of structures in which at least one dimension is much larger than the other two. This is the case for rails, tubulations and pressure vessels among others. In this work, guided waves propagation characteristics are studied, first in a prismatic bar and then within the geometry of a rail. In both cases, dispersion curves were computed according two different work methodologies, first using an axisymmetric model and then corroborated with a model of periodic conditions. Finally propagation of a Tone-Burst waves were simulated on the analyzed geometries, leading to the discussion of how the waves scatter along its propagation. The results obtained were the dispersion curves of both sections. / En las últimas décadas técnicas relacionadas con la medición de ondas elásticas han avanzado sensiblemente. Actualmente, con equipamientos relativamente económicos es posible registrar amplitudes y franjas de frecuencia que eran impensables dos décadas atrás. Este hecho ha motivado que tópicos teóricos que hasta hace un tiempo tenían una aplicación cuestionable tengan que ser desarrollados para poder aprovechar las nuevas potencialidades tecnológicas en la obtención de mayor y mejor información experimental. En este contexto, el estudio de la propagación de ondas guiadas en sólidos se presenta como un conocimiento que posibilita detectar daño con eficiencia y economía en una serie de estructuras en las cuales por lo menos una dimensión es mucho mayor que las otras dos. Es el caso de estructuras tubulares, rieles o recipientes sometidos a presión entre otras. En el presente trabajo se estudian las características de propagación de ondas guiadas primeramente una barra rectangular y posteriormente en la geometría de un riel. En ambos casos, fueron calculadas las curvas de dispersión obtenidas con por dos metodologías de trabajo por elementos finitos, la primer metodología fue emplear un cálculo aplicando un modelo axisimétrico, y luego corroborado con un modelo de condiciones periódicas y posteriormente fue simulada la propagación de una onda tipo Toneburst sobre las geometrías analizadas discutiendo cómo dicha onda se dispersa durante su propagación. Los resultados obtenidos fueron las curvas de dispersión de ambas secciones.

In this dissertation different structural materials (aluminum and steel) with different geometrical shapes (plates, pipes and bars) are studied for damage detection with guided waves. Specific guided wave modes (also known as Lamb wave modes for plate type structures) are generated in a laminated aluminum plate for damage detection and quantification using a broad band piezoelectric transducer structured with a rigid electrode. Appropriate excitation frequencies and modes for inspection are selected from theoretical and experimental dispersion curves. Sensitivity of anti-symmetric and symmetric modes for delamination detection and quantification is investigated. Longitudinal guided waves are excited and recorded after transmission through reinforcing steel bars for monitoring its corrosion level. Instead of investigating the amplitude of the transmitted guided waves, or in other words, monitoring its attenuation, the differential time-of-flight (TOF) is recorded. A reliable guided wave mode is identified for the detection and quantification of corrosion in reinforcing steel bars. Hole type damage, and bonding/de-bonding or lamination/delamination in pipes are studied with Noncontact Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducers and PZT transducers. An adaptive method using phase of the recorded signals for detection and quantification of damages in pipes is established using multiple feature extraction techniques (Time-Frequency representations) and differential time-of-flight cross-correlation technique.

Essa dissertação aborda o tema de propagação de ondas de tensão em hastes metálicas retangulares. Este tipo de onda pode ser utilizada como base na verificação da integridade estrutural através de um ensaio não destrutivo (END). A propagação de ondas elásticas em sólidos apresenta muito potencial quando se deseja estimar a integridade de determinada estrutura. Porém para transformar esse fenômeno físico em uma técnica aplicável na detecção de danos, alguns passos devem ser seguidos, dentre eles: a compreensão das características de propagação da estrutura em estudo, in teração das ondas elásticas com defeitos, aten uação das ondas propagadoras devido a fontes de amortecimento e dispersão. Neste contexto o presente trabalho tem o principal foco no desenvolvimento de uma metodologia eficiente para a investigação da propagação de ondas de tensão em hastes retangulares metálicas, abordando o tema por diversos aspectos. No decorrer do mesmo são calcu ladas as curvas de dispersão de uma haste retangular com seção transversal de 15 x5 [rum], para uma faixa de frequência determinada [0,100 kHz], utilizando três metodologias distintas e realizando a comparação crítica entre elas. São realizadas investigações teóricas, de forma analítica e numérica (via análise explícita empregando elementos finitos) e uma inves tigação experimental das características de propagação da geometria referida. Também os efeitos da aten uação das ondas na geometria é estudado. Os resulta dos obtidos são discutidos procurando mostrar sua coerência e enfatizando a informação sobre o comportamento mecânico das ondas de tensão nesse tipo de estrutura, observando aspectos relevantes à concepção de técnicas de END que possi bilitem a avaliação da integridade dessas estruturas. / This dissertation addresses the issue of propagation of stress waves in metallic rectangular rods. This type of wave can be used as the integrity check structural integrity through a non-destructive test (NDT). The propagation of elastic waves in solids has a lot of potential when estimating the given structure integrity. But to turn this physical phenomenon in an applicable technique for the detection of damage, some steps should be taken, including: understanding of propagating characteristics of the structure under study, interaction of elastic waves with defects, attenuation of the propagating waves due to sources of damping and dispersion. In this context, the present work is the main focus in developing an effective methodology for investigating the propagation of stress waves in rectangular metal rods, addressing the issue by several aspects. During the same are calculated dispersion curves of a rod with rectangular cross section 15 x5 [mm], for a given frequency range [0,100 kHz], using three different methodologies and performing the critical comparison between them. Are performed theoretical investigations, in analytical and numerical form (via explicit analysis using finite element) and an experimental investigation of the propagation features said geometry. Also the effects of attenuation of the waves on geometry is studied. The results are discussed trying to show their consistency and emphasizing information about the mechanical behavior of stress waves in this type of structure, observing relevant aspects to the design of NDT techniques to enable the assessment of the integrity of these structures.

In recent decades techniques related to the measurement of elastic waves have advanced significantly. It is now possible with relatively inexpensive equipment to record amplitudes and frequency bands that were unthinkable two decades ago. This has led to the development of theoretical topics which application was questionable until not long ago, to profit from new technological potential in obtaining more and better experimental information. In this context the study of the propagation of guided waves in solids is presented as a knowledge that allows to detect damage with efficiency and economy in a number of structures in which at least one dimension is much larger than the other two. This is the case for rails, tubulations and pressure vessels among others. In this work, guided waves propagation characteristics are studied, first in a prismatic bar and then within the geometry of a rail. In both cases, dispersion curves were computed according two different work methodologies, first using an axisymmetric model and then corroborated with a model of periodic conditions. Finally propagation of a Tone-Burst waves were simulated on the analyzed geometries, leading to the discussion of how the waves scatter along its propagation. The results obtained were the dispersion curves of both sections. / En las últimas décadas técnicas relacionadas con la medición de ondas elásticas han avanzado sensiblemente. Actualmente, con equipamientos relativamente económicos es posible registrar amplitudes y franjas de frecuencia que eran impensables dos décadas atrás. Este hecho ha motivado que tópicos teóricos que hasta hace un tiempo tenían una aplicación cuestionable tengan que ser desarrollados para poder aprovechar las nuevas potencialidades tecnológicas en la obtención de mayor y mejor información experimental. En este contexto, el estudio de la propagación de ondas guiadas en sólidos se presenta como un conocimiento que posibilita detectar daño con eficiencia y economía en una serie de estructuras en las cuales por lo menos una dimensión es mucho mayor que las otras dos. Es el caso de estructuras tubulares, rieles o recipientes sometidos a presión entre otras. En el presente trabajo se estudian las características de propagación de ondas guiadas primeramente una barra rectangular y posteriormente en la geometría de un riel. En ambos casos, fueron calculadas las curvas de dispersión obtenidas con por dos metodologías de trabajo por elementos finitos, la primer metodología fue emplear un cálculo aplicando un modelo axisimétrico, y luego corroborado con un modelo de condiciones periódicas y posteriormente fue simulada la propagación de una onda tipo Toneburst sobre las geometrías analizadas discutiendo cómo dicha onda se dispersa durante su propagación. Los resultados obtenidos fueron las curvas de dispersión de ambas secciones.

In recent decades techniques related to the measurement of elastic waves have advanced significantly. It is now possible with relatively inexpensive equipment to record amplitudes and frequency bands that were unthinkable two decades ago. This has led to the development of theoretical topics which application was questionable until not long ago, to profit from new technological potential in obtaining more and better experimental information. In this context the study of the propagation of guided waves in solids is presented as a knowledge that allows to detect damage with efficiency and economy in a number of structures in which at least one dimension is much larger than the other two. This is the case for rails, tubulations and pressure vessels among others. In this work, guided waves propagation characteristics are studied, first in a prismatic bar and then within the geometry of a rail. In both cases, dispersion curves were computed according two different work methodologies, first using an axisymmetric model and then corroborated with a model of periodic conditions. Finally propagation of a Tone-Burst waves were simulated on the analyzed geometries, leading to the discussion of how the waves scatter along its propagation. The results obtained were the dispersion curves of both sections. / En las últimas décadas técnicas relacionadas con la medición de ondas elásticas han avanzado sensiblemente. Actualmente, con equipamientos relativamente económicos es posible registrar amplitudes y franjas de frecuencia que eran impensables dos décadas atrás. Este hecho ha motivado que tópicos teóricos que hasta hace un tiempo tenían una aplicación cuestionable tengan que ser desarrollados para poder aprovechar las nuevas potencialidades tecnológicas en la obtención de mayor y mejor información experimental. En este contexto, el estudio de la propagación de ondas guiadas en sólidos se presenta como un conocimiento que posibilita detectar daño con eficiencia y economía en una serie de estructuras en las cuales por lo menos una dimensión es mucho mayor que las otras dos. Es el caso de estructuras tubulares, rieles o recipientes sometidos a presión entre otras. En el presente trabajo se estudian las características de propagación de ondas guiadas primeramente una barra rectangular y posteriormente en la geometría de un riel. En ambos casos, fueron calculadas las curvas de dispersión obtenidas con por dos metodologías de trabajo por elementos finitos, la primer metodología fue emplear un cálculo aplicando un modelo axisimétrico, y luego corroborado con un modelo de condiciones periódicas y posteriormente fue simulada la propagación de una onda tipo Toneburst sobre las geometrías analizadas discutiendo cómo dicha onda se dispersa durante su propagación. Los resultados obtenidos fueron las curvas de dispersión de ambas secciones.

Essa dissertação aborda o tema de propagação de ondas de tensão em hastes metálicas retangulares. Este tipo de onda pode ser utilizada como base na verificação da integridade estrutural através de um ensaio não destrutivo (END). A propagação de ondas elásticas em sólidos apresenta muito potencial quando se deseja estimar a integridade de determinada estrutura. Porém para transformar esse fenômeno físico em uma técnica aplicável na detecção de danos, alguns passos devem ser seguidos, dentre eles: a compreensão das características de propagação da estrutura em estudo, in teração das ondas elásticas com defeitos, aten uação das ondas propagadoras devido a fontes de amortecimento e dispersão. Neste contexto o presente trabalho tem o principal foco no desenvolvimento de uma metodologia eficiente para a investigação da propagação de ondas de tensão em hastes retangulares metálicas, abordando o tema por diversos aspectos. No decorrer do mesmo são calcu ladas as curvas de dispersão de uma haste retangular com seção transversal de 15 x5 [rum], para uma faixa de frequência determinada [0,100 kHz], utilizando três metodologias distintas e realizando a comparação crítica entre elas. São realizadas investigações teóricas, de forma analítica e numérica (via análise explícita empregando elementos finitos) e uma inves tigação experimental das características de propagação da geometria referida. Também os efeitos da aten uação das ondas na geometria é estudado. Os resulta dos obtidos são discutidos procurando mostrar sua coerência e enfatizando a informação sobre o comportamento mecânico das ondas de tensão nesse tipo de estrutura, observando aspectos relevantes à concepção de técnicas de END que possi bilitem a avaliação da integridade dessas estruturas. / This dissertation addresses the issue of propagation of stress waves in metallic rectangular rods. This type of wave can be used as the integrity check structural integrity through a non-destructive test (NDT). The propagation of elastic waves in solids has a lot of potential when estimating the given structure integrity. But to turn this physical phenomenon in an applicable technique for the detection of damage, some steps should be taken, including: understanding of propagating characteristics of the structure under study, interaction of elastic waves with defects, attenuation of the propagating waves due to sources of damping and dispersion. In this context, the present work is the main focus in developing an effective methodology for investigating the propagation of stress waves in rectangular metal rods, addressing the issue by several aspects. During the same are calculated dispersion curves of a rod with rectangular cross section 15 x5 [mm], for a given frequency range [0,100 kHz], using three different methodologies and performing the critical comparison between them. Are performed theoretical investigations, in analytical and numerical form (via explicit analysis using finite element) and an experimental investigation of the propagation features said geometry. Also the effects of attenuation of the waves on geometry is studied. The results are discussed trying to show their consistency and emphasizing information about the mechanical behavior of stress waves in this type of structure, observing relevant aspects to the design of NDT techniques to enable the assessment of the integrity of these structures.

No description available.

There is growing appreciation and research regarding geophysical methods to evaluate near surface soil properties in geotechnical engineering. Geophysical methods are generally non-destructive test (NDT) methods that do not necessitate traditional sampling of soils. Instead, they rely on application of input signals and deduction of soil properties from the measured response of the domain. Geophysical methods include various seismic, magnetic and nuclear techniques applied at the surface and/or subsurface within boreholes. Surface seismic methods, which include Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), are increasing in usage for geotechnical engineering purposes to evaluate stiffness properties of soils. MASW typically involves using a hammer to impact a base plate (also referred to as a striker plate) to transmit surface waves into the ground. These waves propagate through the underlying soils at a site and are received by an array of geophones placed on the ground surface. The manner in which the waves propagate is primarily influenced by soil stiffness, particularly against shear. Therefore, the signals recorded during an MASW survey can be analyzed to estimate the shear stiffness of the soils at a site, a parameter that is extremely important for seismic-related engineering purposes (e.g., site amplification, liquefaction, etc.). Aluminum plates are routinely used in a large number of MASW studies as a striker plate to couple the energy from a sledgehammer blow to the underlying soil layers. Various researchers have postulated that the material make-up of the striker plate has an effect on the frequency of the generated waves and, for that matter, the depth achieved with a typical MASW survey. For example, a less stiff material such as ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) polyethylene is often recommended to increase low frequency energy of the input surface wave relative to aluminum. However, very limited research work has been performed in this area to systematically ascertain the effects of modifications to the striker plate material. Due to the limited direct research related to striker plates, MASW was utilized in this study to measure the dispersion curve resulting from MASW at various sites in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Different striker plate configurations were used during testing to systematically quantify their effects on typical MASW results. The proposed striker base plate configurations included a one (1.0) inch thick aluminum plate, a one (1.0) inch thick aluminum plate over additional rubber mats of varying thickness, and multiple ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) polyethylene plates of various thicknesses. The purpose of this testing was to examine the performance of each configuration, particularly at the low frequency range of the dispersion results. Also efforts were made to qualitatively access the durability of the configurations with respect to long term exposure to impact load. / Civil Engineering