Visualizing surface waves with high resolution
When it comes to fiber-reinforced composites, it is key to detect and localize damage such as delamination or cracks at an early stage – both in production and during operation. Lamb waves are surface waves propagating on thin plate structures that play the major role in non-destructive materials testing (NDT). Lamb waves interact with different types of material faults, thereby making them visible. Lamb wave based material testing is increasingly gaining in significance – particularly in the maintenance of lightweight design like modern aircrafts, where fiber-reinforced composites (CFRP) are increasingly being used.
The non-contact PSV Scanning Vibrometers visualize temporal propagation of Lamb waves with high spatial resolution. Monitor the entire 3D vibration vector for each scan point, so the typical S and A waves that are primarily described as in-plane and out-of-plane waves are broken up during the analysis. Laser vibrometers are thus indispensable as tools for researching Lamb waves and developing methods that are suitable for industrial purposes.
Lamb waves revealing structural defects
Polytec Scanning Vibrometers are therefore also suitable for designing component-integrated sensor networks, which are increasingly being used in critical structural elements, including aircraft, so as to continually monitor them during operation (structural health monitoring). In such situations, a multitude of vibration sensors are permanently integrated in a component, and their distribution is optimized so that structural damage on the component is reliably recorded by the sensors.
Validating complex models with surface waves
The need to validate simulation models of complex mechanical structures has grown in importance for efficiency in the design process. This is especially true for non-linear structures (such as composite panels and jointed components) where it is critical to use an accurate full-field measurement method. This tutorial covers a how-to-guide and use-cases of Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry (SLDV) as a non-invasive technology to efficiently characterize critical mechanical structures. Read the full paper from the IMAC International Modal Analysis Conference.
Eichenberger J., Sauer J. (2022) Validating Complex Models Accurately and Without Contact Using Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometry (SLDV). In: Di Maio D., Baqersad J. (eds) Rotating Machinery, Optical Methods & Scanning LDV Methods, Volume 6. Conference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76335-0_11
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Measurement service & rentals
Our engineering services cover a wide range of applications, either onsite or in our laboratories. Ask for our PolyXperts, rent cutting edge laser measurement equipment and benefit from individual support for your projects. Our experienced application engineers are pleased to help, measure and test for you. For comprehensive studies, rent the RoboVib® Structural Test Station.
