3D finite element modeling of absorbing regions for guided wave scattering problems in composite materials

Abstract

This paper presents a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the absorbing regions for guided wave (GW) scattering in composite materials. The model is aimed at providing an efficient and practical numerical modeling technique for analyzing GW propagation and scattering in infinitely long composite structures. The reported study sought to find the optimal configuration of the absorbing regions to not only minimize the wave reflection from boundaries, but also the computational cost. The model with the optimal absorbing regions was then applied to investigate the GW scattering characteristics for different types and sizes of defects in laminated composite beams.