ABSTRACT
PZT sensors are used to detects defect in cylindrical rods using wave propagation techniques. Stress pulses are measured and predicted using the finite element method in rods free of defects and with a defect. The defect is introduced in the rod in the form of a small slot. By analysing the stress wave data for the defect free rod and for the rod with a defect, it is possible to pinpoint the location of the defect. PZT tiles of dimensions 5 x 3 mm, which are cut from standard PZT patches of dimensions 30 x 30 mm, are bonded to the surface of the cylindrical rods and are used for monitoring the propagation of stress pulses induced in the rods by the collinear impact of spherical balls on one of the plane ends of the rods. A finite element analysis is performed to predict the stress pulses in the rods. The results show that the defect can be located using this technique. It is shown that a high degree of correlation is obtained between measured and predicted characteristics.
