On the Dispersion and Attenuation of Guided Waves in Tubular Section with Multi-Layered Viscoelastic Coating - Part I: Axial Wave Propagation

Guided modes admissible in elastic hollow pipes are derived to establish their dispersion and attenuation characteristics in the presence of multi-layered viscoelastic coatings. Longitudinal waves propagating in the axial direction in response to displacement continuity boundary conditions signifying perfect interfacial bonds are evaluated against a baseline uncoated tubing. Viscoelastic bitumen and epoxy are coating materials applied to improve pipeline reliability. The impact of viscoelastic coating layers on wave dispersion and attenuation are investigated by incorporating complex material properties in the characteristic equation. The real and complex roots of the corresponding characteristic equation are determined, allowing the phase velocity and attenuation dispersion to be depicted as functions of the propagation frequency. The effects of varying attenuation parameter and coating thickness are also examined. Viscoelastic protective materials are found to have a substantial impact on the propagation and attenuation of longitudinal waveguide modes.