A preliminary study of multi-parameter POD curves for a guided waves based SHM approach to lightweight materials

In view of an extensive literature about guided waves propagation, interaction and numerical simulation in platelike structures made of metallic and composite materials, a lack of information is pointed out regarding their reliability in structural health monitoring approaches. Typically, because of uncertainties in the inspection process, the capability of nondestructive testing systems is expressed by means of suitable probability of detection curves. Based on Berens’ model, a linear relationship is established between probability of detection and flaw size. Although the uncertain factors differ from a nondestructive inspection technique and a structural health monitoring approach, the same mathematical framework can be assumed. Hence, the authors investigated the application of a recently developed non-destructive testing Multi-Parameter POD approach to a guided waves based SHM one: numerical simulations as well as experimental data from flawed plates were combined to bring about a “master” POD curve. Once established, it can be used to build the POD curves of the single key factors as flaw size, orientation, structural attenuation and so on.