Interaction of Higher Order Modes Cluster (HOMC) Guided Waves with Notch-like Defects in Plates.

Guided ultrasonic waves are widely used for long range inspection. Higher Order Modes Cluster (HOMC), discovered at the author's research group [1-3] consist of multiple higher order guided wave modes that travel together as a single wave-packet and without appreciable dispersion for distances in the range of meters. These waves not only propagate along the length of the structure but also cover the entire thickness, and in view of the higher frequencies, they can offer improved resolution over conventional low-frequency guided waves. This paper studies the sensitivity of axial plate HOMC to notch-like defects, evaluated by calculating wave reflection co-efficient. The studies are carried out using finite element models validated by experiments. Analysis is presented for better understanding of wave-defect interaction. Advantages and limitations for practical realization of the above approach are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]