Calculation of dispersion curves for arbitrary waveguides using finite element method

Dispersion curves for waveguide structures are an important prerequisite for the implementation of guided wave-based nondestructive evaluation (NDE) approach. Although many methods exist, each method is only applicable to a certain type of structures, and also requires complex programming. A Bloch theorem-based finite element method (FEM) is proposed to obtain dispersion curves for arbitrary waveguides using commercial finite element software in this paper Dispersion curves can be obtained for a variety of structures, such as homogeneous plates, multilayered structures, finite cross section rods and honeycomb sandwiches. The propagation of guided waves in honeycomb sandwich plates and beams are discussed in detail. Then, dispersion curves for honeycomb sandwich beams are verified by experiments.