Characterization of wedge waves propagating along wedge tips with defects

Wedge waves are guided acoustic waves propagating along the tip of a wedge with the energy tightly confined near the wedge. Anti-symmetric flexural (ASF) modes are wedge waves with their particle motion anti-symmetric with the apex mid-plane. This study investigates the behaviors of ASF modes propagation along wedge tips with perfect and imperfect rectangular defects. Numerical finite element simulations and experimental measurements using a laser ultrasound technique are employed to explore the behaviors of ASF modes interacting with defects. Complex reflections and transmissions involved with direct reflections and transmissions as well as the newly discovered mode conversions will be explored and quantified in numerical as well as experimental ways.