An elastodynamic reciprocity theorem-based closed-form solution to second harmonic generation of lamb waves by a fatigue crack: Theory & experimental validation

Characterization of small-scale damage (with dimensions smaller than 1/10 of the probing wavelength) using nonlinear guided ultrasonic waves (GUWs) has been practiced over years, numerically and experimentally. To compensate for the insufficiency of analytical solutions that are able to interpret the underlying physical aspects of nonlinearity in GUWs induced by the small-scale damage and in particular fatigue damage, a new theoretical model based on the elastodynamic reciprocity theorem is developed. The model yields a closed-form solution to the modulation mechanism of a fatigue crack with 'breathing' attributes on Lamb wave propagation, gaining insight into the generation of second harmonics in Lamb waves. The model depicts the 'breathing' crack as an additional wave source imposing extra forces on crack surfaces that is equivalent to the integral of the stress tensor, and the source interferes with the wavefield of the original probing wave. In a time-frequency domain, this additional wave source is linked to the second harmonic generation in spectra. By virtue of the model, a nonlinear damage indicator, governed by the quantified second harmonic generated by the crack, is defined, to calibrate crack severity quantitatively. Finite element simulation is performed to verify the analytical model and demonstrate its accuracy when used for evaluating damage onset. Proof-of-concept experimental validation is conducted to verify the proportional trend of the damage indicator with respect to damage severity. This elastodynamic reciprocity-driven model and the closed-form solution shed light, from an analytical perspective, on the nonlinear interaction of GUWs with damage of small scale featuring 'breathing' attributes.

Automated summary

The study presents a new theoretical model based on the elastodynamic reciprocity theorem to interpret the modulation mechanism of fatigue crack with 'breathing' attributes on Lamb wave propagation, shedding light on the nonlinear interaction of GUWs with small-scale damage. The model provides insights into the generation of second harmonics in Lamb waves and defines a nonlinear damage indicator quantitatively calibrated by the crack-induced second harmonic. Finite element simulation and proof-of-concept experimental validation demonstrate the accuracy of the analytical model for evaluating damage onset.