Prediction of attenuated guided wave propagation in carbon fiber composites

Attenuation of Lamb waves, both fundamental symmetric and anti-symmetric modes, propagating through carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) was modeled using the multi-physics finite element methods (MP-FEM) and compared with experimental results. Composite plates typical of aerospace applications were used and provide actuation using integrated piezoelectric wafer active sensor (PWAS) transducers. The MP-FEM implementation was used to combine electro active sensing materials and structural composite materials. Simulation results obtained with appropriate level of Rayleigh damping are correlated with experimental measurements. Relation between viscous damping and Rayleigh damping are presented and the effects on wave attenuation due to material damping and geometry spreading are discussed. The Rayleigh damping model was used to compute the wave damping coefficient at several frequencies for S0 and A0 modes. The challenge of multi-modal guided Lamb wave propagation is discussed.