GW-MUSIC focusing algorithm with high accuracy for composite damage diagnosis

The Guided Wave (GW)-based Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) method for damage imaging in composite structures offers high-resolution and flexible sensor array placement, demonstrating considerable potential for precise damage localization. However, the application to real aircraft composite structures, characterized by complex structural features, presents substantial challenges. These include complex boundary reflections, pronounced anisotropy, and diminished scattered signals from damage sites. This paper presents a novel single-peak anisotropy-compensated MUSIC method for damage imaging of complex composites. This method, designed for improved localization accuracy, combines a self-excited calibration strategy to mitigate anisotropy with single wave peak focusing to amplify signals and reduce boundary reflections. Experimental validation on a complex composite wing structure demonstrated significant enhancements in localization precision, affirming the method's efficacy.