Detection, Localisation, and Quantification of Bolt Looseness in an Aluminium Plate Using Lamb Wave Analysis

Abstract

In this paper a method is presented to detect and locate loose bolts. This method focuses on changes in Lamb waves when they encounter a different propagation path, whether that is in the form of stress concentrations, or the intensity of reflection from a change in contact area. Utilising this method, the authors show that a loose bolt can be located for a variety of different torque levels. However, the sensitivity to detecting the extent of the damage proved to show no benefits and further investigation is needed.