ABSTRACT

Structural Health Monitoring has become very essential in the present era because of the
huge cost incurred in repairing the structures which have failed. In this project, an attempt
has been made to study the variations in the amplitudes U1, U2 and U3 in three coordinate
directions namely x, y and z respectively with changing damage depths. Initially the project
has been started with modelling of an aluminium plate for baseline reference. Later on the
technique is extended to steel portal frame. A notch resembling the corrosion in a steel frame
is modelled and its location and depth is changed and the properties like amplitude versus
time is studied by analysing the different cases. Guided wave signals are generated using
surface mount Piezoelectric Transducers. Typical of this type is Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT)
which is gaining popularity now-a-days. Simulations are carried out by ABAQUS 6.14 Finite
Element Analysis commercial package. Explicit/Implicit co-simulation is adopted to model PZT
patch in ABAQUS and carry out the wave propagation in ABAQUS.

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 Acknowledgements

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my guide Prof. Sauvik Banerjee for his immense
patience, wisdom and valuable inputs throughout the course of this project. He made this
research endeavour easy and comfortable for me. He was always present whenever I needed
him and gave me correct advice every time. I couldnt have asked for a better mentor.

Most of the knowledge I received has emerged from the detailed discussion I had with my
comrades and mates. This report wont be possible without the constant support of my dear
friends and colleagues. I would like to thank Shirshendu Sikdar, Paresh Mirgal and Harsh
Mahajan specially for helping me whenever I needed help with ABAQUS .

At last I would like to thank my parents, their unconditional love and undying belief in me has
made me endure every difficulty in life. This work and all the work I do in future is dedicated
to them.

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