Wave propagation in one-dimensional waveguides for damage characterization

The waveguide geometry of numerous structures used in civil and mechanical engineering can be exploited for the use of guided waves in damage detection. The present study examines the response of a bar to an impulsive force along its axis and points out the differences in the damaged bar. Relationships between the damage parameters and the amplitude and time-delay of the reflected and transmitted waves are exploited to formulate a damage characterization procedure. This procedure is analytically and experimentally tested in different damage configurations. The results are compared to those obtained from conventional methods based on frequency variations.