A multi-objective optimization approach to optimal sensor placement of irregular LSF structures

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Defect Detection in Plate-like Structures using Piezoceramic Frequency Steerable Acoustic Transducers

Guided Waves (GWs)-based defect detection in plate-like structures using piezoelectric transducers (PZT) has become a critical and reliable method for ensuring structural integrity. To address the challenges of heavy, complex, and difficult-to-maintain PZT networks, Frequency Steerable Acoustic Transducers (FSATs) have been proposed as a promising alternative. FSATs can simplify hardware while reducing costs by employing a frequency-dependent spatial filtering effect that allows for beam steering through excitation frequency variation. The new generation of FSATs also eliminates the 180° ambiguity issue that previous FSATs have experienced and enables 360° circular scanning for defect detection. Thanks to this unique feature of FSATs, when employed within a pulse-echo method, the captured signal exclusively displays reflections originating from the areas of damage. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a numerical investigation on the new generation of FSATs for defect detection in plate structures

Pipeline Structural Health Monitoring Using Frequency Steerable Acoustic Transducers

Damage detection in pipe-like structures is an important task in structural integrity assessment. Guided waves (GWs) are widely used tools for pipe inspection owing to their useful properties, such as traveling long distances along the structure with minimal energy loss. In general, signal transmission and reception can be implemented by employing rings of transducers surrounding the pipe circumference. However, such systems require a large number of transducers and wiring, which is costly and complex. In addition, multi-mode excitation is practically inevitable in such inspection systems, and mode separation after measurements is a complex task. Frequency Steerable Acoustic Transducers (FSATs) which benefit from inherent directional properties to generate longitudinal and flexural waves at different angles as well as single-mode excitation features are an attractive solution to overcome such limitations