Characterization of Lamb wave attenuation mechanisms

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) based on Lamb waves, a type of ultrasonic guided waves, is a promising technique for in-service inspection of composite structures. This study investigates the attenuation mechanisms of Lamb wave propagation fields. The attenuation of an anisotropic plate is experimental measured with air-coupled ultrasonic scanning techniques and analytical modeled using higher order plate theory. Based on the experimental and analytical data the various attenuation mechanisms are characterized for the fundamental Lamb wave modes