Vibrometer Research Articles

Guided Ultrasonic Wave Monitoring of Damage in Anisotropic Composites

Lightweight, carbon fibre reinforced composites are often employed for the manufacture of aerospace components due to their good strength to weight ratio. However, due to poor interlaminar strength, composite components are prone to barely visible impact damage, caused by low velocity impacts, during aircraft operation. Guided-wave-based structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques, using a network of distributed sensors, is an important Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) tool for the detection and localization of in-service impact damage in composite structures. However, the material anisotropy of composite laminates influences guided wave propagation and scattering. These anisotropic effects, if unaccounted for, could lead to inaccurate localization of damage, and potential regions of the structure where guided waves cannot propagate with sufficient amplitude, reducing damage sensitivity. Defect characterization can be improved by considering the scattering characteristics of various damage types for the sparse array signal processing. Guided wave scattering (A0 Lamb wave mode) was investigated around an artificial insert delamination in a quasi-isotropic CFRP panel. Permanent magnets, mounted on an undamaged region of the plate, were also used as scattering targets and compared to the delamination case. Full 3D Finite Element (FE) simulations were performed for both the delamination and magnet cases and compared to wavefield data obtained from non-contact laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) measurements. Individual ply layers were modelled using unidirectional composite material properties to accurately capture the anisotropy effects. Good agreement was found between the experimental measurements and simulations. Scattered guided wave amplitudes around each damage type show strong directional dependency with energy focusing along the fiber directions of the outer ply layers of the laminate. Distinct scattering behavior was observed for each damage type. Implications of anisotropy and angular scattering on sparse array SHM of different defect types are discussed.

Physics-driven deep neural networks for damage identification using guided wave damage interaction coefficients

In this paper, recent advancements in the development of a guided wave-based damage identification approach using wave damage interaction coefficients (WDICs) and deep neural networks (DNNs) are presented. These WDICs uniquely describe the complex scattering of guided waves around possible damages and depend on the properties of the damage itself. Hence, they are utilized as physics-based and highly sensitive damage features herein. It is demonstrated, that DNNs can effectively learn intricate relationships between damage characteristics and complex-shaped WDIC patterns from a compact sized training dataset. In this study, two training datasets are created by numerical finite element simulations and experimental scanning laser Doppler vibrometer measurements using a pseudo-damage approach. Therefore, the orientation and thickness of surface-bonded artificial damages are varied to generate the training data of 12 selected damage scenarios. The generalization capabilities of the fully trained DNNs allow to accurately predict WDICs even for damage scenarios unseen during training. The presented damage identification method leverages this powerful ability to characterize properties of unknown damages. Once trained, the accurate DNN predictions become available promptly and can be compared with measured WDICs from an unknown damage for selected sensor positions. The performance of both simulation-based and experiment-based structural health monitoring approaches are assessed, while also addressing current limitations and possible enhancements. For example, the great potential of incorporating the phase information of the complex-valued WDICs in the identification procedure is discussed. Hence, this study highlights the latest advancements in the development of the presented damage identification method with promising results and provides valuable insights in the application of WDICs as physics-based features for DNNs.

Nonlinear elastic waves generated by surface wave interaction with local plasticity in thick-walled structures

Thick-walled structures (TWSs) are frequently utilized as primary load-bearing structures across diverse industrial sectors, illustrated by train axles. Proper health monitoring, particularly for early damage detection, is required to ensure the operational safety and structural integrity of such structures. Nonlinear elastic-wave-based structural health monitoring techniques present a potentially efficacious methodology, which relies heavily upon the understanding of nonlinear wave generation and propagation characteristics. Unfortunately, due to the complexity introduced by various wave modes in TWSs, a comprehensive understanding of nonlinear elastic waves is still lacking. Considering practical local plasticity on the surface of a TWS, this study investigates the characteristics of nonlinear elastic wave generation and propagation resulting from the fundamental surface wave-local plasticity interaction. Theoretical analyses were carried out to examine the scattering features of the generated nonlinear bulk waves based on Snell’s law. Finite element simulations were then performed to confirm the predicted scattering characteristics of the nonlinear bulk waves, with the introduction of a local material nonlinearity to replicate the plasticity in a TWS. Using the extrusion method, a local plastic zone was produced on an aluminum thick-walled beam. Experiments were finally carried out using a laser vibrometer to confirm the scattering features of nonlinear elastic waves. It was found that the nonlinear shear bulk waves are mainly generated due to the fundamental surface interaction with local plasticity. Furthermore, the generated nonlinear shear bulk waves propagate at a fixed angle towards the interior of the TWS, which can be measured on the opposite surface. The elucidation of the nonlinear elastic wave generation and propagation characteristics paves the way for an effective sensor arrangement in early damage detection applications.

Experimental and numerical modal analysis of CFM56-3 Oil tank

To determine the dynamic behavior of components which is performed through the mechanical vibration analysis. The Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) is the process to determine the modal parameters i.e. of natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping. The Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) of the CFM56 oil tank was performed using an impact hammer and a laser vibrometer. Finite Element Modeling (FEM) software, ANSYS APDL 19.2, was used to performed numerical modal analysis of the same oil tank. Thus, the results obtained for natural frequencies and mode shapes is presented in this document. It will contribute to the demonstration of the component functionality and to the validation of the proposed analysis methodology.

On-site dynamic deformation measurements based on enhanced temporal speckle pattern interferometry

This paper proposes a dynamic deformation measurement method based on temporal speckle pattern interferometry, tailored for on-site applications. This technique utilizes an improved dynamic phase extraction algorithm to obtain phases associated with both ground vibrations and object deformations. Deformations are discerned from vibrations by employing a synchronized measurement system that integrates laser Doppler vibrometers and a high-speed camera. The effectiveness of the method for dynamic deformation measurements under micron-level vibrations is verified by experiments.

Identification and trimming of the eccentric mass in shell resonators

This paper presents a novel method to identify and suppress the undesired spurious mode caused by the 1st and 3rd harmonics of eccentric mass defects in shell resonators. This approach eliminates the need for pre-trimming of frequency split, simplifying the identification and trimming process, with the advantages of high efficiency and minimal structural damage. Firstly, the influence of the mass defects on the dynamics of resonators is analyzed using the mass ring model. The shear force caused by the 1st and 3rd harmonics of the eccentric mass, as well as the axial force caused by the 2nd harmonic, result in forced bending vibration and axial vibration of resonators. These two types of vibrations are superimposed as spurious modes with the operating mode. The bending vibration caused by eccentric mass is decoupled from the mixed vibration signal by analyzing the dynamic characteristics. An analytic scheme is proposed to identify the 1st and 3rd harmonics without eliminating frequency split. To validate the proposed scheme, the identification and trimming process for eccentric mass is simulated by the finite element method based on the geometric model with preset first four harmonics. Finally, experimental identification and trimming of the eccentric mass for the hemispherical resonator are performed based on the laser Doppler vibrometer and ion beam etching process. After multiple iterations, the 1st and 3rd harmonics are reduced by 87.2% and 49.8%, and the quality factors of the operating modes increase by 26.7% and 40.7%, respectively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Vibration analysis of anisogrid composite lattice sandwich truncated conical shells: Theoretical and experimental approaches

Drawing upon both theoretical and experimental methodologies, this study investigates the vibrational characteristics of lattice sandwich truncated conical shells featuring composite ribs made of carbon and E-glass fibers. Toward this aim, the equations of motion along with the corresponding boundary conditions of such sandwich shells are derived using classical Donnell’s shell theory and the smeared stiffness technique. Subsequently, the governing equations are solved to obtain a closed-form expression for natural frequencies employing the Galerkin method. In addition, ABAQUS simulations are presented to study the vibration behavior of single-skin and three-skin conical shells. To validate the theoretical methods, the specimens of three-layer sandwich conical shells were fabricated from two Kevlar fabric laminates and a composite lattice core with hexagonal cells using a manual filament winding process. The composite ribs consist of carbon and E-glass fibers with a ratio of 3:1. Finally, experimental modal tests were conducted to extract natural frequencies and mode shapes by measuring frequency responses at 40 points over a duration of 60 s using a laser vibrometer. A strong correspondence is observed between the theoretical outcomes (utilizing the Galerkin and FE methods) and the experimental findings (with a maximum discrepancy of approximately 16% for the initial four mode shapes). Findings indicate that the excellent performance of the composite lattice core in vibration behavior, which can increase approximately 19% and 16% the natural frequencies corresponding to the first and second mode shapes, respectively.

Orthogonal experiments and bonding analysis of ultrasonic welded multi-layer battery foils and tabs

The motivation for this research stems from the growing demand for solid-phase welding technology to join multilayers metals, particularly in green electric vehicles. Welding of foils and tabs inside battery is a challenging task due to poor joint formation at the interface and low strength. Ultrasonic welding is an efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly bonding method to firmly connect multi-layer copper foils and tabs. Therefore, this is used to achieve electrical bonding within the lithium-ion batteries. This is widely used in production of new energy vehicle batteries. In this work, 40 layers of copper foil were bonded to 0.3 mm nickel-plated copper tabs using ultrasonic metal welding technology. The effect of ultrasonic welding parameters on T-peel strength of joints was systematically investigated by orthogonal experimental design. The maximum T-peel strength of 359.17 N was obtained under optimal parameters (e.g., welding energy 600 J, pressure 0.3 MPa and amplitude 55 %). The variation of welding temperature and amplitude under different welding parameters was measured using infrared thermometer and laser vibrometer. Moreover, the surface, cross-sectional and failure fracture analysis and characterization of specimens with different weld qualities were performed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the state of Ni layer in cross-section was analyzed using the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) technique after ultrasonic welding. This approach can be straightforward and more appropriate to the development of solid-phase welding method for automotive industry.

Reduced Training Data for Laser Ultrasound Signal Interpretation by Neural Networks

The performance of machine learning algorithms is conditioned by the availability of training datasets, which is especially true for the field of nondestructive evaluation. Here we propose one reconfigurable specimen instead of numerous reference specimens with known, unchangeable defect properties, which are usually complicated to fabricate. It consist of a shape memory polymer foil with temperature-dependent Young’s modulus and ultrasound attenuation. This open a possibility to generate a reconfigurable defect by projecting a heating laser in the form of a short line on the specimen surface. Ultrasound is generated by a laser pulse at one fixed position and detected by a laser vibrometer at another fixed position for 64 different defect positions and 3 different configurations of the specimen. The obtained diversified datasets are used to optimize the neural network architecture for the interpretation of ultrasound signals. We study the performance of the model in cases of reduced and dissimilar training datasets. In our first study, we classify the specimen configurations with the defect position being the disturbing parameter. The model shows high performance on a dataset of signals obtained at all the defect positions, even if trained on a completely different dataset containing signals obtained at only few defect positions. In our second study, we perform precise defect localization. The model becomes robust to the changes in the specimen configuration when a reduced dataset, containing signals obtained at two different specimen configurations, is used for the training process. This work highlights the potential of the demonstrated machine learning algorithm for industrial quality control. High-volume products (simulated by a reconfigurable specimen in our work) can be rapidly tested on the production line using this single-point and contact-free laser ultrasonic method.

Coupled membranes: a mechanism of frequency filtering and transmission in the field cricket ear evidenced by micro-computed tomography, laser Doppler vibrometry and finite element analysis.

Many animals employ a second frequency filter beyond the initial filtering of the eardrum (or tympanal membrane). In the field cricket ear, both the filtering mechanism and the transmission path from the posterior tympanal membrane (PTM) have remained unclear. A mismatch between PTM vibrations and sensilla tuning has prompted speculations of a second filter. PTM coupling to the tracheal branches is suggested to support a transmission pathway. Here, we present three independent lines of evidence converging on the same conclusion: the existence of a series of linked membranes with distinct resonant frequencies serving both filtering and transmission functions. Micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) highlighted the 'dividing membrane (DivM)', separating the tracheal branches and connected to the PTM via the dorsal membrane of the posterior tracheal branch (DM-PTB). Thickness analysis showed the DivM to share significant thinness similarity with the PTM. Laser Doppler vibrometry indicated the first of two PTM vibrational peaks, at 6 and 14 kHz, originates not from the PTM but from the coupled DM-PTB. This result was corroborated by µ-CT-based finite element analysis. These findings clarify further the biophysical source of neuroethological pathways in what is an important model of behavioural neuroscience. Tuned microscale coupled membranes may also hold biomimetic relevance.

A simple measurement method for in-situ temperature-dependent piezoelectric coefficient d 33 of piezoelectric materials

Piezoelectric materials have been widely used in sensors, actuators, and transducers due to their positive and inverse piezoelectric effects, which can convert electrical and mechanical energy into one another. The most important parameter to evaluate the piezoelectric properties of materials is their piezoelectric coefficient (d 33). The value of d 33 varies with temperature. The measurement of temperature-dependent d 33 is a difficult task and at present, the equipment used to measure the temperature-dependent d 33 has many limitations. To overcome these limitations, the current study proposes an in situ temperature-dependent d 33 measuring method based on the inverse piezoelectric effect of piezoelectric materials. The newly developed measuring equipment contains a laser vibrometer, and automatic detection program including data processing. Moreover, the image is displayed on LabVIEW program. Compared with the quasi-static temperature-dependent d 33 measurement method, the KNN- based piezoelectric material demonstrated the reliability of this measurement method.

Experimental validation of an inverse method for defect reconstruction in a two-dimensional waveguide model.

Defect reconstruction is essential in non-destructive testing and structural health monitoring with guided ultrasonic waves. This paper presents an algorithm for reconstructing notches in steel plates, which can be seen as artificial defects representing cracks by comparing measured results with those from a simulation model. The model contains a parameterized notch, and its geometrical parameters are to be reconstructed. While the algorithm is formulated and presented in a general notation, a special case of guided wave propagation is used to investigate one of the simplest possible simulation models that discretizes only the cross section of the steel plate. An efficient simulation model of the plate cross section is obtained by the semi-analytical scaled boundary finite element method. The reconstruction algorithm applied is gradient-based, and algorithmic differentiation calculates the gradient. The dedicated experimental setup excites nearly plane wave fronts propagating orthogonal to the notch. A scanning laser Doppler vibrometer records the velocity field at certain points on the plate surface as input to the reconstruction algorithm. Using two plates with notches of different depths, it is demonstrated that accurate geometry reconstruction is possible.

Long-range fiber-based laser Doppler vibrometer using Faraday rotator for polarization-rotation compensation

In this paper, we report a method for extending distance of an optical fiber-based laser Doppler vibrometer system. This method uses a Faraday rotator (FR) to compensate polarization rotation in an installed long-range optical fiber. The construction of the proposed system is simple and achieved only by adding the FR to the sensing head unit, leading to stable and highly reliable vibration measurement even by using a long-range optical fiber exceeding kilometer. Experiments by using 100-m and 10-km long standard single mode fibers with emulated polarization rotation verified advantages of the proposed method; the system performances retained almost the same values even when the polarization state of reflected light was randomly rotated in installed optical fibers.

An improved multiple discrete time system for operational modal analysis of a slanted rotational blade under natural excitation via a long-range tracking continuously scanning laser Doppler vibrometer system

A long-range tracking continuously scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (LTCSLDV) system is able to continuously track the speed and simultaneously sweep the surface of a distanced rotational blade with predicted paths. During the long-range continuous scanning, laser beams including raw responses with modal parameter information are transmitted from the measured distanced rotational blade to the laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). However, classical signal processing methods for raw responses obtained from a LTCSLDV measurement, which are the polynomial and demodulation method, cannot implement standard modal estimation. Its reason is that continuous scanning responses includes density virtual measuring points and one of its results is that some significant modal parameter, especially damping ratio, cannot be estimated directly. This work provides an improved multiple discrete time system (MDTS) for LTCSLDV measurements that is capable of extracting the responses of multiple virtual measuring points on the virtual scanning path with equally intervals as if these responses are measured at fixed pseudo-measurement points. Therefore, extensively complex signal processing can be implemented on the processed responses through program or commercial software only if the amount of the data of them is sufficient for modal analysis. The measurements were performed on a slanted rotational blade (SRB) in real operational condition with the considerations of the pitch angle of the SRB and the tilt angle of the direction of laser beam emitted from a LDV. The predicted tracking and scanning path of the laser spot in long-range measurements is realized through visual identification with a high-speed color camera.

Exploring the Use of Cold Atmospheric Plasma for Sound and Vibration Generation.

In this study, we investigate the potential of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) as a non-contact excitation device, comparing its performance with an ultrasound transmitter. Utilizing a scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV), we visualize the acoustic wavefront generated by a CAP probe and an ultrasound sensor within a designated 50 mm × 50 mm area in front of each probe. Our focus lies in assessing the applicability of a CAP probe for exciting a small polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sample. By adjusting the dimensions of the sample to resonate at the excitation frequency of the probe, we can achieve high vibrational velocities, enabling further mechanical analysis. In contrast with traditional vibration excitation techniques such as electrodynamical shakers and hammer impact excitation, a plasma probe can offer distinct advantages without altering the structure's dynamics since it is contactless. Furthermore, in comparison with laser excitation, plasma excitation provides a higher power level. Additionally, while pressurized air systems are applicable for limited low frequencies, plasma probes can perform at higher frequencies. Our findings in this study suggest that CAP is comparable with acoustic excitation, indicating its potential as an effective mechanical excitation method.

Using the inverse finite‐element method to harmonise classical modal analysis with fibre‐optic strain data for robust population‐based structural health monitoring

AbstractVibration‐based approaches to structural health monitoring (SHM) gained increasing significance for assessing the behaviour of existing structures because of their non‐intrusive nature and high sensitivity to damage. However, data availability often limits the application of SHM approaches. The population‐based structural health monitoring (PBSHM) theory addresses this challenge, enhancing diagnostic inferences by sharing knowledge across a population of similar structures. In real‐life scenarios, sharing data from distinct structures requires dealing with results obtained with different experimental setups, multiple sensors, input choices and acquisition systems. Therefore, it is crucial to harmonise various features to achieve accurate and reliable results. The present study presents the results of a classic experimental modal analysis (EMA) using scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) measurements and a strain‐based EMA conducted using high‐definition distributed fibre‐optic strain sensors. The experimental case study of a laboratory‐scale steel aircraft subjected to specific operating and damage conditions is introduced, allowing for a comprehensive discussion of the features extracted from the two EMA techniques, which can also be generalised to structures within different domains. This research highlights the advantages and limitations of fibre‐optic‐based EMA compared to classic methods, as fibre‐optic strain sensors offer a cost‐effective alternative to accelerometers or SLDV for dynamic testing. Furthermore, the feasibility of employing the inverse finite‐element method (iFEM) in the dynamic domain is investigated. This method can estimate the whole displacement field of a structure from a limited number of strain values, thus harmonising strain measurements with the SLDV measurements. By analysing the features extracted from different EMA techniques within the PBSHM framework, this study contributes to advancing the understanding and application of the PBSHM approach in diverse experimental scenarios, laying the foundation for further investigation of features and adequate methods for sharing damage‐state knowledge across a population of structures.

Operational Deflection Shape Measurements on Bladed Disks with Continuous Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry.

The continuous scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (CSLDV) technique is usually used to evaluate the vibration operational deflection shapes (ODSs) of structures with continuous surfaces. In this paper, an extended CSLDV is demonstrated to measure the non-continuous surface of the bladed disk and to obtain the ODS efficiently. For a bladed disk, the blades are uniformly distributed on a given disk. Although the ODS of each blade can be derived from its response data along the scanning path with CSLDV, the relative vibration direction between different blades cannot be determined from those data. Therefore, it is difficult to reconstruct the complete vibration mode of the whole blade disk. In order to measure the complete ODS of the bladed disk, a method based on ODS frequency response functions (ODS FRFs) has been proposed. While the ODS of each blade is measured by designing the suitable scanning paths in CSLDV, an additional response signal is obtained at a fixed point as the reference signal to identify the relative vibration phase between the blade and the blade of the bladed disk. Finally, a measurement is performed with a simple bladed disk and the results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed extended CSLDV method.

Laser Doppler Vibrometer measurements of the 3D pressure field for the estimation of the radiation force produced by an acoustic standing-wave levitator

Acoustic levitation devices use powerful ultrasonic standing waves to levitate objects in mid-air. We have created a system and method to measure the full harmonic content of the acoustic field accurately. Our study revealed that levitated particles alter the pressure field in a way that is not immediately apparent from the first harmonic alone, highlighting the importance of precise and non-invasive measurement techniques. Our method uses computational tomography and optical sensing with the acousto-optic effect and a 3 DOF mechanical scanner. Our experiment results in a detailed 3D pressure distribution map for each harmonic of the ultrasonic acoustic field that generates the levitation forces.

Interferometric-scale full-field vibration measurement by a combination of digital image correlation and laser vibrometer

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a crucial noncontact full-field optical measurement method used in various fields. However, in practical applications, DIC is affected by systematic and random noises, leading to experimental resolutions lower than theoretical ones. In this study, we proposed a laser Doppler vibrometer guided DIC to perform vibration measurements. 3D-DIC obtains a sequence of out of displacement field initially. A three-dimensional frequency domain collaborative filtering (3D-FDCF) method that utilizes Laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) single-point data to assist in processing of the displacement field sequence pixel-wise is adopted. The 3D-FDCF method combines lowpass filtering in the spatial frequency domain with LDV-guided bandpass filtering in the temporal frequency domain. The effectiveness of the 3D-FDCF method is demonstrated through a comparison among DIC data, the filtered DIC data, and continuously scanning LDV data. The experiment results demonstrate the 3D-FDCF method's capability in measuring vibration amplitudes of several hundred nanometers with the size of a test sample of about 100 mm × 100 mm, supporting the statement of interferometric scale full-field vibration measurement by DIC with the guidance of the LDV data.

Bimodal alarm signals modulate responses to monomodal alarm signals in Camponotus modoc carpenter ants.

Distressed western carpenter ants, Camponotus modoc, produce alarm pheromone and substrate-borne vibrations. The alarm pheromone attracts nestmates but the effects of vibratory signals, or of bimodal pheromonal and vibratory signals, are not known. Worker ants of two Camponotus congeners reportedly stand still ("freeze") or run fast in response to engineered drumming vibrations inputted on plastic, but many responses to ant-produced vibratory signals on wood have not yet been investigated. Generally, orientating toward signalers under vertebrate predator attack seems maladaptive and not beneficial to ant colonies. We tested the hypotheses (1) that vibratory alarm signals cause freezing, rapid running but not attraction of nestmates, and (2) that bimodal alarm signals modulate responses to monomodal alarm signals, thereby possibly reducing predation risk. Laser Doppler vibrometry recordings revealed that the ants' vibratory signals readily propagate through ant nest lamellae, and thus quickly inform nest mates of perceived threats. With a speaker modified to record and deliver vibratory signals, we obtained drumming signals of distressed ants on a Douglas fir veneer, and bioassayed signal effects on ants in an arena with a suspended veneer floor. In response playback of vibratory signals, ants ran rapidly, or froze, but did not approach the vibratory signals. Exposed to alarm pheromone, ants frequently visited the pheromone source. However, concurrently exposed to both alarm pheromone and vibratory signals, ants visited the pheromone source less often but spent more time "frozen." The ants' modulated responses to bimodal signals seem adaptive but the reproductive fitness benefits are still to be quantified.