Flaw detection in sandwich plates based on time-harmonic response using genetic algorithm

An inverse identification technique is proposed to assess the presence, loc ation, size and degree of flaw in the core layer of sandwich plates. The ti me-harmonic response of the sandwich plates is used as the input for invers e analysis. The responses of the plates in forward analysis are predicted u sing finite element method (FEM) based on Mindlin plate theory. The flaw is characterized by a set of parameters. The genetic algorithm (GA) is applie d to search the parameters. To improve the efficiency of GA in searching fo r the true solution, a two-stage searching method is proposed. Numerical ex amples are given to illustrate the proposed technique. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sc ience B.V. All rights reserved.