Abstract
This paper presents forward a novel method for the damage detection in smart structures. The use of node-dependent kinematic models, based on the Carrera Unified Formulation, has led to an innovative global-local approach, with the ability to couple finite elements with different kinematics, and thus different levels of accuracy. With such approach it is possible to model a composite structure with embedded piezoelectric transducer, where the integrated patch or region is modelled using high-fidelity models, as the complex phenomena is expected to happen locally around that area. Thus, the use of layer-wise model is necessary on the level where higher accuracy is needed, as in the embedded area, whereas it remains possible to implement the cost efficient homogenized equivalent single layer models in other areas, reducing the computational cost. This approach has been used to study the lamb-wave propagation in reinforced composite panels, where a damage has been introduced. The detection of such damage through pitch and catch set-up has been studied. The reflected signal due to damage has also been investigated. The results show that this approach may provide accurate damage detection localization and accurate wave propagation despite the presence of localized models with sensors/ actuators.
