Time-domain hybrid global-local concept for guided-wave propagation with piezoelectric wafer active sensor

This article presents a combined finite element method and analytical process to predict the one-dimensional guided-wave propagation for nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring application. Analytical methods can perform efficient modeling of wave propagation but are limited to simple geometries. In response to today's most complex cases not covered by the simulation tools available, we aim to develop an efficient and accessible tool for structural health monitoring application. This tool will be based on a hybrid coupling between analytical solution and time-domain numerical codes. Using the principle of reciprocity, global analytical calculation is coupled with local finite element method analysis to utilize the advantages of both methods and obtain a rapid and accurate simulation method. The phenomenon of interaction between the ultrasonic wave, the defect, and the structure, leading to a complex signature, is efficiently simulated by this hybrid global-local approach and is able to predict the specific response signal actually received by sensor. The finite element mesh is used to describe the region around the defects/flaws. In contrast to other hybrid models already developed, the interaction between Lamb waves and defects is computed in the time domain using the explicit solver of the commercial finite element method software ABAQUS. © 2013 The Author(s).