Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical

Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical

Engineering Science
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Investigation of Lamb waves attenuation in elastic−viscoelastic three-layer adhesive joints in low and
high frequencies: Theoretical modeling
Pezhman Taghipour Birgani, Khosro Naderan Tahan, Sina Sodagar and Mohammad Shishesaz
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science published
online 15 September 2014
DOI: 10.1177/0954406214551037

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Investigation of Lamb waves attenuation 0(0) 1–14
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joints in low and high frequencies: DOI: 10.1177/0954406214551037

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Theoretical modeling

Pezhman Taghipour Birgani1, Khosro Naderan Tahan1,

Sina Sodagar2 and Mohammad Shishesaz1

Abstract
In this paper the attenuation of Lamb waves in three-layer joints, including two elastic plates bonded together by a
viscoelastic adhesive layer, is investigated in high and low frequencies using global matrix method. Theoretical boundary
value problem in three-layer adhesive joints with perfect bond and traction-free boundary conditions on their outer
surfaces is solved to find a combination of frequencies and modes with lowest attenuation. Characteristic equation is
derived by applying continuity and boundary conditions in three-layer joints using global matrix method. Attenuation and
phase velocity dispersion curves in high and low frequencies are obtained with numerical solution of this equation by a
computer code for a three-layer joint, including an aluminum repair patch bonded to the aircraft aluminum skin by a layer
of viscoelastic epoxy adhesive. To validate the numerical solution results of characteristic equation, wave structure
curves are plotted for a special mode in two different frequencies in the adhesive joint. Also, attenuated displacement
amplitude curves in a round-trip of Lamb wave along the adhesive joint are plotted to investigate the reduction of the
signal amplitude generated by a single transducer. The purpose of present paper is to find a combination of frequencies
and modes with minimum attenuation in high and low frequencies. These frequencies and modes are recognizable by
transducers in inspections with Lamb waves because of low attenuation level.

Keywords
Three-layer adhesive joints, viscoelastic, attenuation, Lamb waves, global matrix method

Date received: 13 December 2013; accepted: 15 August 2014

Different studies have been carried out to obtain

Introduction propagated modes and frequencies in multilayer
The applications of adhesive joints in plates and pipes structures (or dispersion curves). Thomson1 and
to increase life, improve stiffness, protect against cor- Haskell2 first investigated the equations of elastic
rosion, and electrical insulation have caused the wide- waves propagation in planar multilayers with arbi-
spread use of viscoelastic polymer material like epoxy trary number of layers using transfer matrix method
with plates and pipes as adhesive and coating. An or Thomson–Haskell method. They introduced a
example of these joints’ application is a three-layer transfer matrix that shows the relationship between
adhesive joint including an aluminum patch bonded displacement and stress in bottom of a layer in com-
to a surface, like aircraft aluminum skin, by a visco- parison to their values in top of the same layer. One of
elastic epoxy adhesive layer. Repair patches are used
to extend the life of the aircraft. Ultrasonic guided 1
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shahid Chamran University,
waves are used to inspect these adhesive joints. Ahvaz, Iran
2
Lamb waves have applications in nondestructive Department of Technical Inspection Engineering, Abadan Institute of
inspection of elastic–viscoelastic multilayer joints Technology, Petroleum University of Technology, Ahvaz, Iran
and plates. Some modes of these waves have frequen-
Corresponding author:
cies with minimum attenuation and are recognizable Pezhman Taghipour Birgani, Department of Mechanical Engineering,
in inspection by transducer, and they can also detect Shahid Chamran University, Golestan Street, Ahvaz 61357-43337, Iran.
the defects in the structures. Email: p_t_birgani@yahoo.com

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2 Proc IMechE Part C: J Mechanical Engineering Science 0(0)

the difficulties when using transfer matrix method is using experimental and analytical methods. Wave
the instability of the solution whenever the product of equation is solved using theoretical boundary value
frequency in thickness increases. Dunkin3 introduced problem and the best modes are specified. In this
delta operator technique to solve this difficulty. research, global matrix method is used to obtain the
Knopoff4 was the first to use global matrix method roots of characteristic equation. It should be noted
to investigate the propagation of elastic waves in that in this paper, the viscoelastic characteristics of
multilayers. In this method a global matrix is used the coating are obtained using the transient wave
which is derived from putting together the equations propagation method. Shorter14 investigated the wave
of continuity and boundary conditions in all the propagation in linear viscoelastic laminates using
layers. In investigated studies, the effect of wave spectral finite element method or semianalytical
energy attenuation in materials is not taken into finite element method (SAFE). In this reference,
consideration. damping loss factor is estimated for waves in low
Watson5 obtained the complex roots of the charac- frequencies and also stiffness matrix is assumed to
teristic equation in earth layers and showed that be real. Damping loss factor in Birgersson et al.15 is
imaginary part of the wave number is the same as investigated using SAFE method and taking into con-
the attenuation in multilayered. Hosten and sideration the complex stiffness matrix. Bartoli
Castaings6 applied the transfer matrix method in et al.16 investigated the wave propagation in visco-
multilayered anisotropic and damping media. The elastic waveguides with an arbitrary cross-section.
use of this method in high frequencies is accompanied To model ultrasonic wave propagation in different
with numerical instability. They applied delta operator waveguides, SAFE method is used. The results of
technique7 to improve the stability of transfer matrix group velocity and phase velocity dispersion curves
method in multilayered anisotropic damping plates. (for undamped media), attenuation and energy vel-
Lowe8 presented a summary of the matrix methods ocity (for damped media), and cross-section mode
for modeling the propagation of ultrasonic waves in shapes are obtained which are used in nondestructive
multilayered media. Both global matrix method and inspection. The results accuracy is validated com-
transfer matrix method are used in this study. These pared to the SPBW method. Marzani et al.17 used
techniques can be used to obtain attenuation and SAFE method to analyze wave propagation in visco-
phase velocity dispersion curves in viscoelastic mater- elastic axisymmetric waveguides. The results accuracy
ials. Pan et al.9 investigated the propagation of ultra- of the dispersion curves is validated compared to the
sonic guided waves in gas pipelines with a thick SPBW method. Puthillath and Rose18 inspected the
coating to choose the suitable mode for inspection. titanium repair patches bonded to the aircraft alumi-
Both the effect of coating thickness and the effect of num skin using ultrasonic guided waves. They plotted
coating damping on dispersion curves and mode the wave structures using a theoretical method and
shapes were investigated and the modes being the selected the mode shape with maximum in-plane dis-
least affected by coating thickness and coating damp- placement for inspection, although they did not take
ing were identified. To model the viscoelastic behav- into consideration the effect of material damping.
ior, the coating is assumed to be a linear standard In the present study, the propagation of Lamb
solid. Seifried et al.10 investigated the propagation waves in elastic–viscoelastic three-layer joints, includ-
of guided waves in multilayered adhesive structures ing two elastic plates bonded together with a layer of
by taking into consideration the low stiffness and viscoelastic adhesive, is investigated using global
viscoelastic behavior of adhesive layer. To better matrix method and considering viscoelastic layer
understand the guided waves behavior and to obtain damping effect. The theoretical boundary value prob-
dispersion curves, they used analytical, experimental, lem in a three-layer adhesive joint with a perfect bond
and transient finite element simulation methods. and traction-free boundary conditions on their outer
Simonetti11 investigated the propagation of Lamb surfaces is solved to find a combination of modes and
wave in elastic plates coated with viscoelastic mater- frequencies with minimum attenuation. Characteristic
ials and considered the viscoelastic coatings effect on equation is derived by applying continuity and
dispersion properties of Lamb wave propagation in boundary conditions in three-layer adhesives using
elastic plates. To do this, he used superposition partial global matrix method. Attenuation and phase velocity
bulk waves (SPBW) method to model the wave. dispersion curves in terms of frequency for a specific
Simonetti and Cawley12 investigated the propagation application are obtained by numerical solution of
of shear horizontal (SH) waves in an elastic plate characteristic equation using a Matlab code. Also,
coated with viscoelastic material. Material damping wave structure is plotted for a specific mode in two
causes an excessive reduction of applied signal in different frequencies to verify that continuity and
ultrasonic test. In this research, SH wave dispersion boundary conditions are satisfied and also to explain
curves for metal plates coated with viscoelastic layers the attenuation behavior of waves in joints. Adhesive
are obtained using SPBW method. Barshinger and damping causes the excessive reduction of sending
Rose13 investigated the propagation of guided waves signal amplitude in ultrasonic test; so, modes and fre-
in elastic hollow cylinders with viscoelastic coating quencies with minimum attenuation should be

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Birgani et al. 3

specified. Because these waves travel the maximum elastic and viscoelastic material in harmonic state is
possible distance in joints and can detect the different called Alfrey’s Correspondence Principle.22,23 Also,
defects, namely interfacial defects. Navier’s equation of motion in viscoelastic layer is
similar to the elastic layer and is expressed by equa-
Theoretical modeling of Lamb waves tion (1)
propagation in three-layer adhesive joints
@2 u
Lamb waves are propagated in thin plate-like med- r2 u þ ðl þ Þrðr: uÞ ¼  ð1Þ
@t2
iums in which planar dimensions are far greater
than the thickness of plate and wavelength of the In equation (1), l, , and  are Lame constants and
same order with plate thickness.19 Free upper and density, respectively. Lame constants in viscoelastic
lower surfaces in plate guide movement of these material are complex numbers and a function of fre-
waves. Lamb waves have infinite modes and their quency which are measured using experimental meth-
propagation properties depend on wave entry angle, ods such as ultrasonic tests.13 In equation (1), the
frequency, and structure geometry. Figure 1 shows displacement field, u, can be decomposed as a com-
Lamb wave propagation in an adhesive joint which bination of the gradient of a scalar potential field, ,
is comprised of three layers. The first and the third and the curl of a vector potential field, H (Helmholtz
layers, which are elastic and isotropic, are bonded decomposition)20,24
together by the second layer which is an isotropic
viscoelastic layer. The layers are perfectly bonded u ¼ r þ r  H, r: H ¼ 0 ð2Þ
together and the free surfaces at the top and the
bottom of the three layers are traction free. Layers
thickness is shown by h1, h2, and h3. A local Substituting equation (2) in equation (1), scalar and
Cartesian coordinate system is used to investigate vector equations are obtained, respectively
the propagation of Lamb waves in the three layers.
sffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi
Because of the propagation of the Lamb waves in 1 @2  l þ 2
2
three-layer joint, the problem is investigated as plain r ¼ 2 2 , C1 ¼ ð3Þ
C1 @t 
strain, and also the wave propagation is considered
harmonic. In each layer, Lamb waves are comprised rffiffiffiffi
of shear and longitudinal waves superposition.20 Lþ 1 @2 H 
r2 H ¼ , C2 ¼ ð4Þ
and L show the propagation of longitudinal waves C22 @t2 
downwards and upwards the plate, and Sþ and S
show the propagation of shear waves downwards and Equation (3) shows the propagation of longitudinal
upwards the plate, respectively. wave, and equation (4) shows the propagation of
Assuming that the wave propagation in three-layer transverse wave in structures, and C1 and C2 quanti-
adhesive joints in terms of time is harmonic, the ties are longitudinal and shear wave velocities in
stress–strain equations of viscoelastic layer are similar medium, respectively. Since Lame constants in visco-
to those in elastic layer, except that material proper- elastic material are complex numbers and a function
ties of viscoelastic layer are complex numbers and a of frequency, wave velocities are also complex num-
function of frequency.21 This dependency between bers and a function of frequency.

Figure 1. The propagation of Lamb wave in an elastic–viscoelastic three-layer adhesive joint.

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4 Proc IMechE Part C: J Mechanical Engineering Science 0(0)
Using Cartesian coordinate system, the potential
vector, H, can be defined as equation (5)
H ¼ Hx ex þ Hy ey þ Hz ez
Since this problem is assumed as a plain strain,
then the equation uz ¼ @=@z ¼ 0 should be satisfied.
This happens when Hx and Hy components equal
zero and only Hz remains. The scalar potential func-
tion, , should also be a function of x, y.
The solutions of equations (3) and (4) for a har-
monic wave propagate along the positive x direction
are assumed as equations (6) and (7)
iðkx! tÞ
 ¼ f ð yÞe
Hz ¼ hz ð yÞeiðkx! tÞ
In equations (6) and (7), k and ! are wave number
and angular frequency, respectively.
Substituting equations (6) and (7) in equations (3)
and (4) and taking into consideration that the two
components of vector potential function are equal to
zero, and after solving the differential equations, the
solutions are obtained as
 ¼ fAðLþÞ eiy þ AðLÞ eiy geiðkx! tÞ ,
!2
Hz ¼ fAðSþÞ eiy þ AðSÞ eiy geiðkx! tÞ , 2 ¼ ð 2  k2 Þ
C2
The solutions of equations (8) and (9) are known as
the partial waves solution. The four terms obtained
from equations (8) and (9) show the longitudinal
waves propagation, L, and transverse waves propaga-
tion, S, upwards and downwards the layer. Constant
values show the amplitude of propagated waves; for
instance, AðLþÞ shows the longitudinal wave amplitude
propagates toward the bottom of the layer.
Substituting vector and scalar potential functions
from equations (8) and (9) in equation (2), the dis-
placement field in adhesive joint is obtained in terms
of unknown constants of the shear and longitudinal
wave amplitudes
ux ¼ ifkðAðLþÞ eiy þ AðLÞ eiy Þ þ ðAðSþÞ eiy
 AðSÞ eiy Þgeiðkx! tÞ
uy ¼ ifðAðLþÞ eiy  AðLÞ eiy Þ  kðAðSþÞ eiy
þ AðSÞ eiy Þgeiðkx! tÞ
uz ¼ 0
[1–14]
(PIC) [PREPRINTER stage]
Equations (10) and (11) can also be expressed as equa-
tions (13) and (14)
ð5Þ ux ¼ Ux eiðkx! tÞ ð13Þ
uy ¼ Uy eiðkx! tÞ ð14Þ
In equations (13) and (14), Ux and Uy are unattenu-
ated displacement amplitudes.
Using Hooke and strain–displacement relations,
stresses in the adhesive joint can be obtained in
terms of the unknown constants of shear and longi-
tudinal wave amplitudes
xx ¼ fð22  k2  2 ÞðAðLþÞ eiy þ AðLÞ eiy Þ
ð6Þ  2kðAðSþÞ eiy  AðSÞ eiy Þgeiðkx! tÞ ð15Þ
ð7Þ
yy ¼ fðk2  2 ÞðAðLþÞ eiy þ AðLÞ eiy Þ
þ 2kðAðSþÞ eiy  AðSÞ eiy Þgeiðkx! tÞ ð16Þ
zz ¼ lfð2 þ k2 ÞðAðLþÞ eiy þ AðLÞ eiy Þgeiðkx! tÞ
ð17Þ
xy ¼ fð2kÞðAðLþÞ eiy  AðLÞ eiy Þ
þ ð2  k2 ÞðAðSþÞ eiy þ AðSÞ eiy Þgeiðkx! tÞ
!2 ð18Þ
2 ¼ ð 2  k2 Þ
C1
xz ¼ 0 , yz ¼ 0 ð19Þ
ð8Þ
In order to obtain Lamb wave dispersion curves for
elastic–viscoelastic three-layer adhesive joint, continu-
ity and boundary conditions should be applied.
ð9Þ
Formulation of continuity and boundary
conditions using global matrix method
Global matrix method is a suitable method for for-
mulation of problems concerning multilayers.
Continuity and boundary conditions are needed for
this formulation. Using this method, continuity and
boundary conditions can be shown as matrices and
vectors. This method can simultaneously consider
effects of material damping and wave leakage to the
environment. In this method a global matrix is used to
describe all the continuity and boundary conditions,
and when it comes to numerical stability, it is better
than other matrix methods.8
Figure 2 shows the boundary conditions of a three-
layer adhesive joint including stress and displacement
continuity in layers interfaces and traction-free condi-
ð10Þ
tions in up and bottom surfaces of the elastic–visco-
elastic three-layer adhesive joint.
The bond between layers is perfect, and there’s no
ð11Þ shear and normal stress on free surfaces at the top and
bottom of the three layers. This condition is shown in
ð12Þ vector equation (20). Continuity of interface condi-
tions includes continuity of displacement components
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Birgani et al. 5

Figure 2. Continuity and boundary conditions in an elastic–viscoelastic three-layer adhesive joint.

and shear and normal stresses components. As an interface, and y ¼ h=2 for layer bottom interface.
example, continuity between m and m þ 1 layers is These two new layer matrices are shown by Dt and
shown by vector equation (21) Db , respectively, in which the subscripts t and b show
  the top and bottom interfaces of layer, respectively.
yy Local coordinate system is used to derive these matri-
¼0 ð20Þ
xy ces, which are shown in Figure 2, and therefore can be
Free
Surface derived for all layers by substituting material proper-
8 9 8 9 ties and thickness.
>
> ux >> >
> ux >> Now, we express three-layer joint continuity and
< = < =
uy uy boundary conditions in the form of a global matrix
¼ ð21Þ
> yy >
> > > yy >
> > which is shown in equation (24). Am and 0 vectors in
: ; : ;
xy Layer¼m xy Layer¼mþ1 this matrix are shown by equation (25)
Interface¼mþ1 Interface¼mþ1
2 3
Before applying continuity and boundary condi- ðD1t Þ34 0 0 8 9 8 9
6 D1b < A1 = < 0 =
tions, a vector relation for displacement and stress 6 D2t 0 7 7 A2 ¼ 0
4 0 ð24Þ
in each layer is necessary which is obtained using D2b D3t 5: ; : ;
A3 0
equations (10), (11), (16), and (18) and is shown by 0 0 ðD3b Þ34
vector equation (22)
8 9 8 9
8 9 8 9 > AðLþÞm > > 0>
> ux > > AðLþÞ > >
< >
= < >
> =
>
< >
= >
< >
= AðLÞm 0
uy AðLÞ iðkx! tÞ Am ¼ , 0¼ ð25Þ
> yy >
¼D
> AðSþÞ >
e ð22Þ > AðSþÞm >
>
: >
; >0>
>
: >
;
>
: >
; >
: >
; AðSÞm 0
xy AðSÞ

In which D is the layer matrix and is expressed as In equation (24) the subscript 34 shows the rows 3 and
equation (23) 4 of the layer matrix.

2 3
ikeiy ikeiy ieiy ieiy
6 7
6 ieiy ieiy ikeiy ikeiy 7
D¼6
6
7
7 ð23Þ
4 ðk2  2 Þeiy ðk2  2 Þeiy 2keiy 2keiy 5
2keiy 2keiy ðk2  2 Þeiy ðk2  2 Þeiy

Before applying continuity and boundary condi- Global matrix method is a 4n  4n system of equa-
tions using equation (22), layer matrix in interfaces tions, in which n is number of layers, and the global
of each layer is calculated. This is achieved from equa- matrix for an elastic–viscoelastic three layer is
tion (23), by substituting y ¼ h=2 for layer top 12  12. In order to the nontrivial solution to exist,

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6 Proc IMechE Part C: J Mechanical Engineering Science 0(0)
the determinant of global matrix should become zero.
This is shown by equation (26), which is called char-
acteristic or dispersion equation of Lamb waves. With
the aid of the roots of this equation, attenuation and
phase velocity dispersion curves are plotted in terms
of frequency
 
 ðD1t Þ34 0 0 
 
 
 D1b D2t 0 
 ¼0
 
 0 D2b D3t 
 
 0 0 ðD3b Þ34 
Numerical solution method of
characteristic equation
Characteristic equation roots in the three-layer adhe-
sive joint are obtained using numerical solution
method. In characteristic equation, frequency, !, is
the independent variable, and wave number, k, is
the dependent variable. The wave number in a desired
frequency is obtained by solving this equation. To
find characteristic equation roots, computer code is
written in Matlab software. These roots are shown
by curves called dispersion curves.
Finding complex roots of a characteristic equation
concerning a three-layer adhesive joint of which at
least one layer is viscoelastic is a difficult task. In
linear viscoelasticity, if harmonic wave propagation
is desired, transverse and longitudinal velocities, and
Lame constants of viscoelastic layer, are complex and
a function of frequency. The transverse and longitu-
dinal velocities are calculated from equations (27)
and (28)21
1 application
C1 ði!Þ ¼
1
c1 ð!Þ þ i 1!ð!Þ
1 aluminum repair patch bonded to the aircraft alumi-
C2 ði!Þ ¼
1
c2 ð!Þ þ i 2!ð!Þ
In equations (27) and (28), c1 and c2 are bulk velo-
cities of longitudinal and transverse waves, and 1 and
2 are bulk attenuations of longitudinal and trans-
verse waves of viscoelastic layer. Bulk attenuation
and velocity values for viscoelastic material can be
calculated in terms of frequency, using experimental
test such as ultrasonic test.13
Before introducing a method for finding the attenu-
ation and phase velocity numerical results, wave
number should be defined in terms of imaginary and
real parts. Equation (29) shows the wave number as
complex25
! 200 mm length is also plotted to investigate the
k ¼ kR þ ikI ¼ þ ikI
cph
[1–14]
(PIC) [PREPRINTER stage]
Equation (29) enables us to solve the viscoelastic
characteristic equation in terms of attenuation, kI ,
and phase velocity, cph , instead of wave number, k.
In this case, the attenuation and phase velocity dis-
persion curves are obtained directly.
One solution method for finding the viscoelastic
characteristic equation roots is taking into consider-
ation the minimum of characteristic equation absolute
value. In this case, the problem becomes three dimen-
ð26Þ sions in which the characteristic equation absolute
value is a function in terms of the attenuation and
phase velocity. In this method we seek to find min-
imum value of this function. The main issue in this
method is finding all the roots.
Figure 3 shows a minimization process of charac-
teristic equation absolute value in order to find char-
acteristic equation complex roots. The minimum
search of the viscoelastic characteristic equation abso-
lute uses the Nelder–Mead simplex algorithm as
described in Lagarias et al.26
Using the process shown in Figure 3, a computer
code can be written to find characteristic equation
roots. This process can be applied for all desired fre-
quencies, and attenuation and phase velocity can be
obtained in terms of frequency. Attenuation constant
can be converted to attenuation in decibel per length
unit, using equation (30). This conversion magnifies
the attenuation values
ðe 1000 kI
Þ
0 ðdB m1 Þ ¼ 20 log10 ð30Þ
Discussion of results for a specific
ð27Þ
Solving the characteristic equation by a computer
code for a three-layer adhesive joint, including an
ð28Þ num skin with a viscoelastic epoxy adhesive layer,
the attenuation and phase velocity dispersion
curves in high and low frequencies for this specific
application are generated. Also, acceptable attenu-
ation level is calculated for ultrasonic inspection
using a single transducer of the adhesive joint with
200 mm length and suitable modes are selected.
Geometric and acoustic properties of elastic–visco-
elastic three-layer adhesive joint is presented in
Table 1. Aluminum and Mereco Epoxy 303 acoustic
properties are picked up from Barshinger and
Rose.13
Wave structure for a mode in two different fre-
quencies is plotted to validate numerical solution
results. Attenuated displacement amplitude in a
Lamb wave round-trip along the adhesive joint with
ð29Þ
decrease in signal amplitude which is generated by a
single transducer.
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Birgani et al. 7

Figure 3. The process of minimization in order to find characteristic equation complex roots.

Table 1. Geometric and acoustic properties of an elastic–viscoelastic three-layer adhesive joint.13

c1 1 =! c2 2 =!  h
Layer Material ðkm s1 Þ ðs km1 Þ ðkm s1 Þ ðs km1 Þ ð g cm3 Þ ðmmÞ

1 Aluminum 6.35 – 3.13 – 2.7 1.6

2 Mereco 303 Epoxy 2.39 0.0070 0.99 0.0201 1.08 0.66
3 Aluminum 6.35 – 3.13 – 2.7 3.175

acceptable range of attenuation is calculated for ultra-

Phase velocity and attenuation dispersion curves sonic inspection of the adhesive joint with 200 mm
Figure 4 shows the phase velocity dispersion curve in length using a single transducer. The suitable range
terms of frequency for different modes in an elastic– of attenuation depends on wave propagation distance
viscoelastic three-layer adhesive joint, the properties in a wave round-trip to transducer and on the signal-
of which are presented in Table 1. The Lamb wave to-noise ratio (SNR). In inspection with guided
modes are identified with M and numbers in Figure 4. waves, SNR is a measure for detecting small defects
Investigating this curve it can be seen that in the fre- and is the ratio of reflected signal from defects to
quency intervals of 150–250 kHz only three modes of return signal from grains (as noise) to transducer.
M1, M2, and M3 propagate, and other modes do not Minimum identifiable SNR in guided wave test is
propagate in these low frequencies. A 250 kHz fre- 6 dB.13 In guided wave test, defect signal is usually
quency is cutoff frequency of M4 mode; because M4 20 dB higher than the noise signal; therefore, a 14 dB
mode does not propagate in frequencies lower than signal can be lost because of the guided wave mode
this frequency. Also, in the frequency intervals of 275– attenuation, and if attenuation is more than which,
575 kHz only four modes of M1, M2, M3, and M4 defects are not detectable. The distance that a wave
propagate, and 575 kHz is the cutoff frequency of M5 travels in a round-trip to transducer is twice the length
mode. of the plate and equal to 400 mm, and maximum
Figure 5 shows the attenuation dispersion curve in attenuation that the wave can have in a round-trip
terms of frequency for 10 modes in an elastic–visco- equals 14 dB/0.4 m or 35 dB/m; therefore, the suit-
elastic three-layer adhesive joint. In this paper, able range of attenuation is from 0 to 35 dB/m.

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8 Proc IMechE Part C: J Mechanical Engineering Science 0(0)

Figure 4. Phase velocity dispersion curves in terms of frequency in the three-layer adhesive joint: aluminum–epoxy–aluminum.

Figure 5. Attenuation dispersion curves in terms of frequency for 10 modes in the three-layer adhesive joint: aluminum–epoxy–
aluminum.

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Birgani et al. 9

The modes with acceptable attenuation level (0 to

35 dB/m) are selected for inspection in high and low
Validation of numerical solution results
frequencies. Generating these modes, adhesive joint One method to validate the numerical solution results
inspection can be carried out to find the defects. of characteristic equation, which are the same as
From curves in Figure 5, it can be seen that M1 attenuation and phase velocity, is the investigation
mode in frequency range of 150–500 kHz has a suit- of the interfacial continuity equations and boundary
able attenuation level for inspection, and in frequen- conditions in the adhesive joint. The wave structure of
cies higher than 500 kHz, a sudden and excessive propagated modes in the three-layer adhesive joint is
increase can be seen in attenuation. This mode in plotted to validate whether interfacial continuity
high frequencies is not suitable for inspection. equations and boundary conditions are satisfied.
Attenuation in M2 mode in low frequencies, in the Wave structure curves are the same as stress and dis-
range of 150–250 kHz increases extremely, and has a placement amplitudes across three-layer adhesive
sudden and excessive increase in frequencies higher joint thickness.
than 800 kHz. M2 mode in frequency range of 325– The curve in Figure 6 is the M2 mode wave struc-
800 kHz and M3 mode in frequency ranges of 150– ture in 500 kHz frequency with an attenuation of
675 kHz and 1.2–1.775 MHz have suitable attenuation 13.5 dB/m. As Figure 6 shows, shear and normal
levels for inspection of the adhesive joint with 200 mm stresses do not exist in free surfaces at the top and
length. M3 mode in 500 kHz has an attenuation equal bottom of the three layers; also, interfacial continuity
to 5.1 dB/m which is the lowest attenuation level for conditions including continuity of shear and normal
this mode in frequency range of 0 to 3 MHz. M5 mode stresses and displacement components are satisfied.
has a suitable attenuation level in high frequencies M2 mode wave structure in 1.25 MHz frequency
and is suitable for inspection in 1.9–3 MHz frequency with the attenuation of 222.8 dB/m is also plotted
range, and it also has negligible attenuation about in the curves of Figure 7, in which continuity and
0.27 dB/m in frequencies near 3 MHz. boundary conditions are also satisfied. Because

Figure 6. M2 mode wave structure in 500 kHz frequency with the attenuation of 13.5 dB/m in a three-layer adhesive joint:
(a) normalized displacement wave structure, (b) normalized stress wave structure.

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10 Proc IMechE Part C: J Mechanical Engineering Science 0(0)

Figure 7. M2 mode wave structure in 1.25 MHz frequency with the attenuation of 222.8 dB/m in a three-layer adhesive joint:
(a) normalized displacement wave structure, (b) normalized stress wave structure.

Figure 8. M1 mode displacement amplitude in 250 kHz frequency with suitable attenuation level of 25.8 dB/m in a wave round-trip
along the three-layer adhesive joint with 200 mm length: (a) M1 mode unattenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 0, (b) M1 mode
attenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 400 mm.

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Birgani et al. 11

Figure 9. M1 mode displacement amplitude in 1 MHz frequency with unsuitable attenuation level of 148.7 dB/m in a wave round-
trip along the three-layer adhesive joint with 200 mm length: (a) M1 mode unattenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 0, (b) M1 mode
attenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 400 mm.

Figure 10. M3 mode displacement amplitude in 500 kHz frequency with suitable attenuation level of 5.1 dB/m in a wave round-trip
along the three-layer adhesive joint with 200 mm length: (a) M3 mode unattenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 0, (b) M3 mode
attenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 400 mm.

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12 Proc IMechE Part C: J Mechanical Engineering Science 0(0)

Figure 11. M3 mode displacement amplitude in 2.25 MHz frequency with unsuitable attenuation level of 289.6 dB/m in a wave
round-trip along the three-layer adhesive joint with 200 mm length: (a) M3 mode unattenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 0, (b) M3
mode attenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 400 mm.

Figure 12. M5 mode displacement amplitude in 3 MHz frequency with negligible attenuation level of 0.27 dB/m in a wave round-
trip along the three-layer adhesive joint with 200 mm length: (a) M5 mode unattenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 0, (b) M5 mode
attenuated displacement amplitude in x ¼ 400 mm.

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Birgani et al. 13

attenuation level is high in wave structure curve of joint cannot be recognized in some modes (such as
Figure 7, most of the displacement exists is in the M1, M2, M3) in high frequencies (such as 2 MHz)
viscoelastic layer. because of high level of attenuation.

Attenuated displacement amplitude curves Acknowledgment

Investigating attenuation dispersion curves, it is seen The authors wish to express their sincere thanks to the
reviewers for their constructive comments. The work was
that some modes have suitable attenuation level for
supported by the Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz
inspection purposes in high frequencies and some
and Abadan Institute of Technology, Petroleum
other in low frequencies. Attenuation level in some University of Technology.
modes and frequencies is very high and the amplitude
of generated signal by a single transducer in a wave
round-trip decreases extremely, such that the return Conflict of interest
signal cannot be recognized by the transducer. None declared.
Attenuated displacement amplitude curve shows the
sent signal amplitude decrease in a wave round-trip. Funding
Figure 8(b) shows attenuated displacement amplitude This research received no specific grant from any funding
of M1 mode in 250 kHz frequency with suitable agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
attenuation level of 25.8 dB/m in a wave round-
trip in a three-layer adhesive joint with 200 mm References
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