Experimental study on fatigue failure evolution in composite plate monitored by wave propagation method

In this study, the elastic wave propagation method is used to observe the initiation and evolution of the fatigue failure form in the multilayered composite plate with an elliptical hole. The experimental tests with the use of active, pitch-catch elastic wave measurement techniques are used during the fatigue test of the composite specimens. The fatigue tests were preceded by the numerical, finite element analysis of the elastic wave propagation phenomenon in a composite plate with an elliptical hole. The sequential measurement related to the number of cycles during the fatigue tests was assumed. The time of flight (ToF) and amplitude change was monitored by piezoelectric sensors localized in the area of predictable failure form evolution. The analysis of the dynamic response of the structure under fatigue loading conditions by a relatively small number of piezoelectric transduces allows us to build cost-effective Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system for damage detection and monitoring of the failure form evolution.