The development of ultrasonic testing techniques for layered structures such as plates, pipes and bonded joints is only possible when the complicated physics of wave propagation in such structures is well understood. Therefore, in support of most of the projects in the group, there is an ongoing programme of development of modelling tools. These include both closed form and Finite Element programs for simulating reflection and transmission of waves, and a program (DISPERSE) for predicting the propagation characteristics of structure-guided waves such as Lamb waves.
Example of Modelling Tool for Ultrasonic Wave Propagation
References
M J S Lowe, "Matrix techniques for modelling ultrasonic waves in multilayered media", IEEE Trans. Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control, vol. 42, pp. 525-542, 1995
P D Wilcox, R S C Monkhouse, P Cawley, M J S Lowe, B A Auld, “Development of a computer model for an ultrasonic polymer film transducer system”, NDT & E International, vol. 31, pp. 51-64, 1998.
M Castaings, MJS Lowe, "Finite element model for waves guided along solid systems of arbitrary section coupled to infinite solid media", J. Acoust. Soc. Am., vol. 123, 696-708, 2008.
B N Pavlakovic, M J S Lowe, “A general purpose approach to calculating the longitudinal and flexural modes of multi-layered, embedded, transversely isotropic cylinders”, Review of Progress in Quantitative NDE, eds. D.O. Thompson and D.E. Chimenti, Plenum Press, New York, vol. 18, pp. 239-246, 1999.
B N Pavlakovic, M J S Lowe, D N Alleyne, P Cawley, “Disperse: a general purpose program for creating dispersion curves”, Review of Progress in Quantitative NDE, eds. D.O. Thompson and D.E. Chimenti, Plenum Press, New York, vol. 16, pp. 185-192, 1997.