Finite element simulation of Lamb wave scattering at delamination damage in composite laminates

Due to the anisotropy and multilayer characteristics of composite laminates, the analytical solution for Lamb wave scattering at delamination damage do not exist. This study explores the effectiveness of the 2D finite element method (FEM) to model Lamb wave scattering at a delamination which is across the full width of the composite laminates. The capability of 2D FEM to simulate Lamb wave scattering characteristics at delaminations with different sizes by means of contour snapshots at different time instances and the scattering directivity pattern in different laminated location are illustrated. The results suggest that 2D FEM can be used to investigate Lamb wave propagation and their scattering characteristics at delamination damage, which help to validate and improve the performance of Lamb wave damage detection configuration.