Localization of problems with Surface Response to Excitation method

Impedance and Lamb Wave methods are well known structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques. The tested material characteristics and frequency interval in the Surface Response to Excitation (SuRE) method remind the impedance method. The SuRE method creates surface waves with one piezoelectric element while one or more sensors monitor the surface response. In this study, a scanning laser vibrometer was used to monitor the oscillations of the entire surface of an aluminum plate. SuRE method estimated the approximate location of the applied force at the back of the test plate. The study demonstrated that the remote sensors like laser vibrometer may be used for implementation of the SuRE method and defect location may be estimated. The method may be used to test the structural integrity of aerospace vehicles at the launch pad.