Matrix damage detection in laminated composite structures by discrete and continuous wavelet transforms using vibration modes

In this paper it was sought to enhance the potential damage detection, location and quantification of the Discrete and Continuous Wavelet Transforms in thin damaged laminated composite plates by a signal derived from vibration modes. To evaluate the ability of both transforms in the damage prognostic it was also proposed the use of Damage Indexes. The matrix damage level occurs during the impulsive load application over the analyzed structures. The finite element used was a Serendipity-type with rectangular shape, 8 nodes and 5 mechanical degrees-of-freedom per node, which was formulated by First-order Shear Deformation Theory on MATLAB (MathWorks®). The dynamic equation of motion including internal damage was solved by the Newmark implicit integration method. The results have demonstrated that mother wavelets, whether discrete or continuous, applied in dynamic signal processing, can detect a small damage magnitude in the matrix level. Moreover, the proposed Damage Indexes can quantify the damage magnitude as well as determine the most appropriate vibration mode and scalar parameter of the Continuous Wavelet Transform for damage detention. © 2017, Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management. All rights reserved.