Damage localisation in plate-like structures based on PZT sensors

In this paper, signal processing algorithms for damage localisation purposes in plate-like structures were proposed. Algorithms use elastic wave propagation phenomenon for damage detection and localisation. As a result of application to signals registered from the structure, special maps are created that indicate damage location. In this work the algorithms were introduced, described and experimentally implemented. Also one example coming from numerical simulation was included. The proposed methods were successfully tested on aluminium alloy specimen and carbon–epoxy specimen.