Laser-ultrasonic generation of Lamb waves in the reaction force range.

The Laser-ultrasonic generation of Lamb waves in an elastic plate is investigated theoretically and experimentally for a laser source whose intensity is high enough to create reaction forces (normal tractions) on the illuminated surface of the specimen. The analytical solutions for transient waves are derived using the integral transform method first by considering an arbitrary source shape and time excitation function, and then specifically for circular and line source shapes. The simulation study allows us not only to predict the behavior of individual wave modes but also to construct the overall responses; thus it helps us better understand the wave excitation mechanisms. The dispersive and multi-modal nature of laser-generated Lamb waves is presented by showing the spatiotemporal Fourier transform of displacements obtained by the simulation study. The transform, displayed in the frequency-wave number domain, enunciates the characteristics of the propagating individual Lamb wave modes. The simulation results are then compared with the 2-D Fourier transform of a set of experimental data obtained by scanning an aluminum plate specimen.