Detection of edge delamination in composite laminates using edge waves

Abstract

Detecting near-edge damage in composite structural elements using guided wave-based techniques can be challenging, primarily due to the complexity of wave analysis arising from material anisotropy. Furthermore, scattered waves containing damage information can be contaminated by waves reflected from the edges, which makes detecting near-edge damage difficult to implement. In the literature, studies showed that in elastic materials, the edge of a structure can serve as a waveguide, enabling the existence of typical edge modes with concentrated energy at the edge. However, studies regarding edge waves in composite structures have received limited attention. This paper aims to explore the potential of detecting edge delamination damage in composite laminates using edge waves. The modal properties of edge waves in [(0/90)2]s composite laminates are investigated using the Semi-Analytical Finite Element (SAFE) method. Additionally, dispersion curves for quasi-isotropic composite laminates are calculated. Following this, numerical and experimental studies were conducted to investigate the sensitivity of edge waves in detecting edge delamination in the [(0/90)2]s composite laminates. The outcomes of this study offer physical insights into the modal properties of edge waves and confirm their effectiveness in detecting damage near the edges.