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.