Modelling of guided wave propagation for detecting delamination in large composite structures

Paper in proceeding, 2018

The aim of this study is to identify the challenges in computational modelling of guided wave (GW) propagation in large composite structures and propose approaches to overcome them. Firstly, effects of using shell elements and a stiffness reduction approach to model delamination in composite laminates and sandwich structures are investigated. Secondly, the obtained methods and conclusions are used to model GW propagation in a wind turbine blade with the aim of delamination detection. Results show that low frequency GW can be used as a potentially efficient tool for structural health monitoring of composite wind turbine blades.