Characterisation and Through-Thickness Localisation of Failure Mechanisms in Thin-Plate Structures via Modal Decomposition

This thesis introduces a novel finite element framework utilising cohesive zone modelling to advance the analysis of internal defects in composite structures. Defects in composites significantly impact their performance and are difficult to visualise. Through the analysis of acoustic waves, damage types at the onset can be accurately identified and located with a precision of two to three ply thicknesses. The framework enables the modelling of damages with characteristic propagation speed and length, allowing for the quantification of the location and extent of damage. These advancements significantly contribute to the safety and reliability of composite structures, offering substantial benefits for structural health monitoring.