Modeling Three-dimensional Ultrasonic Guided Wave Propagation and Scattering in Circular Cylindrical Structures using Finite Element Approach

Elastic guided wave propagation along circular cylindrical structures is important for nondestructive-testing applications and shocks in tubes. In this paper, ultrasonic guided wave propagation and the interaction law with the defects in circular cylindrical structures were studied through associating ultrasonic cylindrical guided wave theory with numerical simulation method. A large number of numerical simulation experiments are carried out using finite element method based on commercial software ABAQUS, the longitudinal mode and torsional mode of the propagation characteristics and laws were analyzed in the hollow cylinder, and the optimum excitation mode and frequency were investigated through signal processing algorithms. The maximum and minimum values of the reflection coefficient at varying axial extent are identified and can be used for the purpose of defect sizing.