SHM of composite plates: Vibration based method by using PZT sensors

This study presents experimental and numerical analyses about health monitoring metrics using vibration-based method for damage detection in composite plates. Three composite plates, made of carbon fibre and epoxy resin, were considered in this study, one intact, other damaged by manufacturing, i.e. a centre hole (controlled damage) and the other damaged by low-velocity impact loading (uncontrolled damage). Experimental and numerical analysis consists of vibration tests. In order to produce the excitation on the structures, an impact hammer was used. Accelerometers and, in a second stage, piezoelectric transducers were used for data acquisition. Firstly, the Frequencies Response Functions (FRFs) were obtained using accelerometers. Then, secondly, piezoelectric transducers were used. Numerical analyses were carried out through finite element modelling, considering the simulation of the piezoelectric transducers. Finally, FRFs were analysed using appropriate metrics, which were compared in terms of their capability for damage identification.status: publishe