An experimental and theoretical study of two-dimensional traveling waves in plates

The present work explores the generation of two-dimensional steady-state flexural waves that are non-reflective on a thin rectangular plate with free boundary conditions when excited by two macro-fiber composites (MFCs). The voltage signals to the MFCs have a frequency lying halfway between two adjacent resonant frequencies with a phase difference of 90◦. Locations of MFCs and frequencies of actuation are varied to study the response of the plate due to these forces. A finite element plate model is developed and updated based on experimental modal tests on the plate. This model is able to predict up to the 40th damped eigenvalue with a maximum error of 2.5% and match mode shapes accurately, with a lowest Modal Assurance Criterion value of 0.92. Numerical simulations of traveling waves have been carried out and are compared with experimental results. Preliminary results show that the location of the MFCs and the frequency of excitation have an effect on the type and the quality of the traveling waves. These results shall lay the foundation for an exhaustive analysis of planar traveling waves in plates.