Wave finite elements for low and mid-frequency description of coupled structures with damage

This paper focuses on wave propagation in complex elastic structures along with a precise account of guided waves. A numerical finite element based approach named wave finite element (WFE) is further developed. Diffusion matrix prediction model (DMM) through a full numerical scheme is proposed and extended. The applicability of the WFE for the low and mid-frequency description of coupled systems is considered. Analysis of coupled structures through a notch is also treated numerically and the numerical experiments given prove the interest of the WFE for structural wave studies such as damage detection through guided waves. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.