Numerical and experimental investigation of wave propagation in rod-systems with cracks

In this study, the possibility of continuously monitoring load-carrying cables in bridges is considered. A sending/receiving transducer is used to generate an ultrasonic, longitudinal, elastic wave through the cable. The interaction between the L(0, 1)-wave and vertical cracks in a single rod is investigated using the Waveguide-FE-Method to predict the reflection and transmission coefficients. Moreover, this work analyzes how the elastic energy of a propagating wave is distributed between adjacent rods via friction. An energy-based model is developed to approximate the coupling behavior in a two-rod system. Finally, the numerical predictions are verified by experimental data.