Practical finite element based simulations of nondestructive evaluation methods for concrete

This paper describes the development of practical, efficient and accurate dynamic finite element (FE) based simulations of ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods for concrete structures. We propose a technique to eliminate transient ultrasonic wave reflections from the boundary of a small simulation model in order to simulate a larger structure in a computationally efficient manner. We also propose a coupled solid–fluid (concrete–air) model to simulate contactless air coupled sensing configuration. The proposed techniques are implemented within a commercially available FE analysis software package, although the presented results and findings are intended to be universal to all FE simulations. The simulation results compare favorably to experimental data, an analytical solution, and another computational solution.

► We propose a new boundary model for finite element based mechanical wave simulation.
► The boundary is comprised of an artificial energy absorbing layer with viscous damper.
► Absorbing layer with Rayleigh mass damping absorbs low frequency components.
► Viscous damper absorbs high frequency components regardless of angle of incidence.
► A proposed model can be easily implemented in finite element software packages.