A Novel Defect Location Method for Plate-Like Structure by Using Forward-Scattering Wave and Fuzzy C-Means Clustering

Ultrasonic guided wave technology combined with sparse transducer array provides an efficient and relatively cost-effective means of defect detection and monitoring for rapid interrogation of large in plate-like structures. However, imaging algorithm used baseline subtraction methods may be compromised under mismatched environment and operational conditions. A defect location method based on forward-scattering wave and fuzzy c-means clustering is proposed in this paper. The distance coefficient including location information between sensor pair using exciting and receiving signal and defect is defined to explain feasibility of the method proposed in this paper. A Parallel line array is evaluated using the method to locate defect. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the influence of mismatched environment and operational conditions on the defect location.