Non-Destructive Evaluation of Preload Loss of Bolted Spherical Joints Based on Time Reversal Acoustics: A Numerical Simulation

Bolted spherical joints are widely used in space grid structures. However, the preload loss, which may arise from fabrication error, insufficient twist of screw and some other unknown reasons can undermine structural integrity even lead to collapse whole structure. Therefore, a method for evaluating status bolted is vital health monitoring To this end, non-destructive evaluation loss based on time reversal acoustics (TRA) presented. In method, an excited signal generated by zirconate titanate (PZT) patch at sphere reconstructed after recorded another PZT bar time-reversed re-emitted. The deviation initial allows identification joint. This demonstrated be effective finite element simulation. Furthermore, effect joint its ultimate flexural capacity studied, highlights necessity evaluation.