Propagation of Elastic Waves in Homogeneous Media: 2D Numerical Simulation for a Concrete Specimen

Abstract

This paper addresses the theoretical foundation of a localization method for crack detection in a concrete sample based on the time of arrival of the elastic wave generated by the crack formation to a group of sensors positioned on the boundary of the sample. The equations of motion for the elastic waves are carefully presented, including a body force term which accounts for the sudden formation of a crack. Then, a localization method based on the detection of acoustic emissions, and specifically on their arrival times, is described. Finally, a discretization scheme for the 2D equations of elasticity is developed, and some numerical experiments are performed to assess the validity of the method.