Detection of Cut-Out in Aluminum Plate Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves: A Finite Element Analysis

Aluminum alloys serve a critical role in the aerospace industry, accounting for a significant amount of commercial aircraft weight. Despite the growing use of composite materials, aluminum remains important in airframe construction due to its lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and high strength potential. Structural integrity is critical in modern engineering, necessitating early diagnosis and localization of damage. To detect the flaws, cracks, and cut-out in the structures, structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are essential, with non-destructive testing (NDT) methodologies playing critical roles. Among these technologies, ultrasonic guided wave testing (UGWT) has gained popularity because of its capacity to propagate over long distances and detect subsurface faults. This article investigates the use of UGWs to identify cut-outs in aluminum plates. The numerical investigation has been carried out using commercially available finite element software Abaqus. The ultrasonic lamb waves are generated through the load. The results obtained in pristine and defected 2D aluminum plate has been compared with proper selection of actuation and sensing points. Further by changing the location of actuation and sensing points the shift of damage scattering components has been observed. After identification of reflected wave mode, the location of the cut-out can be predicted accurately.