Elastic waves from localized sources in composite laminates. (Q1866300)

The author deals with elastic waves generated by three types of sources (external-acoustic wave loading or low-velocity foreign object impact or internal-sudden crack initiation) in composite laminates, investigated through laboratory experiments and theoretical modelling. Considerations concerning the theory of wave propagation in composites, the global matrix method for multilayered laminates, as well as approximate theory are made. Numerical results plotted into diagrams are given for materials characterization using the leaky Lamb wave experiments, impact methods or radiation from initiation of microfracture. The agreement between the two sets of results has been found to be very good in all three cases. The results thus obtained can be very helpful in developing on-board monitoring systems for aircrafts or other advanced structures.