Finite Element Studies of Transient Wave Propagation

Abstract

The National Bureau of Standards (NBS) has been working to develop a nondestructive test method for heterogenous solids using transient stress waves [1-5]. The method is referred to as the impact-echo method. The technique involves introducing a transient stress pulse into a test object by mechanical impact at a point and measuring the surface displacement caused by the arrival of reflections of the pulse from internal defects and external boundaries. Successful signal interpretation requires an understanding of the nature of transient stress wave propagation in solids containing defects. A primary focus of the NBS program is on using the finite element method to gain this understanding.KeywordsVector PlotMinimum Principal StressShadow ZoneWave Propagation ProblemDynamic Finite Element AnalysisThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.