Lamb-wave acoustic emission source localization method for carbon fiber composites based on modal sound speed and arrival time

Abstract Composite materials have become increasingly vital in modern industry due to their exceptional corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. However, under varying environmental conditions and mechanical loading, these materials are prone to progressive damage and failure, making early detection and maintenance critical. Traditional acoustic emission (AE) analysis methods face significant limitations in damage monitoring due to the anisotropic nature of composites, which leads to severe modal dispersion in acquired signals and complicates mode identification. These challenges undermine the accuracy and reliability of conventional source localization techniques.To address these issues, this study proposes a novel AE source localization method that combines modal arrival time and wave velocity analysis. The approach leverages time difference of arrival (TDOA) and modal wave velocity data captured by a three-sensor array to determine both the angular direction and precise planar coordinates of AE sources. Experimental validation demonstrates that the proposed method achieves high localization accuracy within a 350 mm radius from the sensor array center. These findings advance the capability for real-time structural health monitoring in composite structures, offering improved diagnostic precision for industrial applications.