Analysis of wave propagation in periodic 3D waveguides

• Efficient FE modeling of waveguides reducing DOFs and computation time drastically.
• Extension of waveguide FEM approach with fluid–structure interface and path tracking.
• Analytical and numerical wave propagation analyses (mode shapes, dispersion curves).
• Sophisticated, automated experimental setup to verify guided wave characteristics.
• Applicability to SHM concepts of power lines, stay cables and fluid-filled pipes.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a growing research field in the realm of civil engineering. SHM concepts are implemented using integrated sensors and actuators to evaluate the state of a structure. Within this work, wave-based techniques are addressed. Dispersion effects for propagating waves in waveguides of different materials are analyzed for various different cross-sections. Since analytical theory is limited, a general approach based on the Waveguide Finite Element Method is applied. Numerical results are verified experimentally.