Damage state evaluation of experimental and simulated bolted joints using chaotic ultrasonic waves

Ultrasonic chaotic excitations combined with sensor prediction algorithms have shown the ability to identify incipient damage (loss of preload) in a bolted joint. In this study we examine a physical experiment on a single-bolt aluminum lap joint as well as a three-dimensional physics-based simulation designed to model the behavior of guided ultrasonic waves through a similarly configured joint. A multiple bolt frame structure is also experimentally examined. In the physical experiment each signal is imparted to the structure through a macro-fiber composite (MFC) patch on one side of the lap joint and sensed using an equivalent MFC patch on the opposite side of the joint. The model applies the waveform via direct nodal displacement and 'senses' the resulting displacement using an average of the nodal strain over an area equivalent to the MFC patch. A novel statistical classification feature isdeveloped from information theory concepts of cross-prediction and interdependence. This damage detection algorithm is used to evaluate multiple damage levels and locations.