Project

Nonlinear vibro-thermal-acoustical damage imaging in composites by selective activation of defects using time-reversal elastic waves

Code
G0B1623N
Duration
01 January 2023 → 31 December 2026
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Promotor-spokesperson
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Acoustics and acoustical devices, waves
  • Engineering and technology
    • Dynamics, vibration and vibration control
    • Short and long fibre reinforced composites
    • Destructive and non-destructive testing of materials
    • Analogue and digital signal processing
Keywords
Elastic guided waves & vibrations Nonlinear wave/defect interaction Non-destructive testing of composites
 
Project description

Fiber reinforced polymers (or composites) have excellent specific stiffness/strength as well as corrosion resistance, which makes them very attractive for high-tech applications in aerospace, renewable energy … Though, composites are also known for their susceptibility to internal defects which might compromise their structural performance. The goal of this project is to develop a low-cost and time-efficient non-destructive inspection technique by employing elastic waves. The idea is to employ the principle of wave time-reversal coupled to decomposition techniques in order to selectively focus vibrational energy at defects. By doing so, defects will get highly active and become themselves a secondary source of nonlinear vibrations, heat and/or acoustic emission. Tracking down these secondary effects offers a unique opportunity to get an exclusive imaging of defects in materials. The study will involve both experimental and numerical research in order to get a deep understanding of the various involved physical phenomena, and to optimize the technique for the wide diversity of possible defect types in composites.