Wave finite elements for low and mid-frequency description of coupled structures with damage

This paper focuses on wave propagation in complex elastic structures along with a precise account of guided waves. A numerical finite element based approach named wave finite element (WFE) is further developed. Diffusion matrix prediction model (DMM) through a full numerical scheme is proposed and extended. The applicability of the WFE for the low and mid-frequency description of coupled systems is considered. Analysis of coupled structures through a notch is also treated numerically and the numerical experiments given prove the interest of the WFE for structural wave studies such as damage detection through guided waves.