Research on the algorithm for optimal selection of detection modes for rail crack detection

In the application of ultrasonic guided wave testing for rail crack detection, it is necessary to select a guided wave mode that is more sensitive to cracks as the detection mode. However, ultrasonic guided waves have multi-mode and dispersive characteristics. In order to extract mode information from complex signals, this paper proposes an optimal detection mode selection method based on the sensitivity of guided wave modes to cracks. This method is different from the traditional method of determining mode types by calculating the mode velocity through the arrival time of wave packets in the time domain signal. Based on the dispersion characteristics and mode features of guided wave modes, this paper establishes a crack sensitivity evaluation index. In a wide frequency band and among numerous modes, the guided wave modes suitable for detecting cracks in different regions of the full cross-section of rails are accurately selected. Experimental results show that the guided wave modes selected by the mode selection method proposed in this paper, based on the crack area energy and crack reflection intensity evaluation indexes, can accurately identify rail cracks, laying a foundation for the research on rail crack detection and localization methods.