Damage Identification in Composite Panels—Methodologies and Visualisation

Abstract

A methodology for the identification of an impact damage using guided waves on a composite structure is implemented. Both numerical and experimental results are used, and a graphical user interface is developed to visualise the potentially damaged area. The latter allows, on top of detection, an assessment of the location and severity of the damage. The input can be experimentally based or calculated with the help of numerical models. Within this work, two numerical models are presented, based on stacked-shell finite element approach and on spectral element approach in time domain. The graphical interface allows the user to choose the most suitable approach from various damage identification methods using pitch-catch acousto-ultrasonics. The numerical models allow us to test a variety of damage locations with variable extents. The quality of the models is shown by a comparison of simulated and experimental data in time domain and respective damage indices. Finally, the visualisation allows to focus on specific areas, enhancing the analysis of multiple damages in a structure. The damage identification tool is a powerful tool in understanding the effects of various damage scenarios on the time response data and together with the numerical model provides a valuable input for model-assisted probability of detection (MAPOD).