A preliminary study of multi-parameter POD curves for a guided waves based SHM approach to lightweight materials

Abstract

In view of an extensive literature about guided waves propagation, interaction and numerical simulation in plate-like structures made of metallic and composite materials, a lack of information is pointed out regarding their reliability in structural health monitoring approaches. Typically, because of uncertainties in the inspection process, the capability of non-destructive testing systems is expressed by means of suitable probability of detection curves. Based on Berens' model, a linear relationship is established between probability of detection and flaw size. Although the uncertain factors differ from a non-destructive inspection technique and a structural health monitoring approach, the same mathematical framework can be assumed. Hence, the authors investigated the application of a recently developed non-destructive testing Multi-Parameter POD approach to a guided waves based SHM one: numerical simulations as well as experimental data from flawed plates were combined to bring about a "master" POD curve. Once established, it can be used to build the POD curves of the single key factors as flaw size, orientation, structural attenuation and so on.