Damage detection of structures using spectral finite element method

This paper brings together the principles, equations, and applications of damage modelling and elastic waves propagation, both traditional and state-of-the-art in a review form. It begins with the relevant fundamentals of damage modelling, derives the basic equations of fracture mechanics and elastic wave propagations, and covers advanced topics and applications of Lamb waves that are at the forefront of today's research. The results obtained indicate that the current approach is capable of detecting cracks and delaminations of very small size, even in the presence of considerable measurement errors. The sections are filled with case studies, worked examples and exercises that make this paper an outstanding resource. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.