Optimal placement of sensors for sub-surface fatigue crack monitoring

This paper discusses the scattering of stress waves by defects in representative aircraft structures with multi-layered construction and geometry variation. The approaches for determining and enhancing the probability of detection of non-surface-penetrating defects in such structures as well as minimising the contributions of multi-layered construction and geometry variation to false indications are presented. The results demonstrate the importance of selecting the appropriate frequency and location of the sensor in monitoring sub-surface defects on these structures. The findings suggested that a computer solution of the problem may be required to determine the optimal combination of frequency and sensor location. This study suggests the possibility of incorporating structural health monitoring into the design of future structures which will constitute a significant leap in the current knowledge base of structural health monitoring.