Experimental and Theoretical Analysis of Lamb Wave Generation by Piezoceramic Actuators for Structural Health Monitoring

Abstract

Piezoceramic transducers, acting as actuators and sensors, are attractive for generation and reception of Lamb waves in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems. To get insight into the source-mechanisms of Lamb waves, the vibrations of piezoceramic actuators are analyzed for the free and bonded state of the piezoceramic by analytical and finite element (FEM) calculations. Mode shapes and spectra of piezoceramic actuators and Lamb wave fields are experimentally recorded by scanning laser vibrometry. The analytical solutions for bending modes are shown to be valid for large diameter-to-thickness-relations of a free piezoactuator (D/H > 10) only. For thicker piezoceramics, a FEM-solution gives better results. Calculated frequencies for radial modes of vibration are confirmed by 3-D-laser-vibrometry and measurements of electrical impedance. The bonded case of a piezoactuator exhibits a broad resonance peak resulting from the strong coupling between radial and bending modes. The assumption that optimal excitation of Lamb modes occurs for a matching of the wavelengths to the diameter of the piezoceramic holds only for thin ceramics. Otherwise the distinct modes of out-of-plane and in-plane vibrations control the excitation of the Lamb modes more than the wavelength matching.