Ultrasonic Guided Wave Based SHM of a Steel Shell Structure Under Different Operating Conditions

Abstract

The use of multi-element strip transducers to provide control of the generated ultrasonic guided wave mode in a structure is described. The transducer is conformable to curved surfaces even though it makes use of a piezoelectric fiber composite. The ability of the transducer to generate non-leaky guided waves in a steel mockup structure representative of a pressure vessel is shown, and its capability is compared to that of piezoelectric wafer active sensors.