Revisiting Piezoelectric Sensor Calibration Methods Using Elastodynamic Body Waves

Abstract The application of absolutely calibrated piezoelectric (PZT) sensors is increasingly used to help interpret the information carried by radiated elastic waves laboratory/in situs acoustic emissions (AEs) in nondestructive evaluation. In this paper, we present methodology based on finite element method (FEM) characterize PZT sensors. FEM-based modelling tool numerically compute true Green’s function between a ball impact source and an array map active theoretical ground motion. Physical-based boundary conditions are adopted better constrain problem body wave propagation, reflection transmission in/on medium. first validated against reference approach (generalized ray theory) then extended down 1 kHz where along different types boundaries explored. We find functions calculated using physical-based have distinct differences commonly employed idealized conditions, especially around anti-resonant resonant frequencies. Unlike traditional methods that use singular drops, each drop only partially reliable over specific frequency bands. demonstrate, adding spectral constraints, individual instrumental responses accurately cropped linked together MHz after which they overlap with little amplitude shift. This study finds impacts broad range diameters as well corresponding valid bandwidth, necessary broadband from MHz.