Low frequency guided acoustic waves will propagate many tens of metres along a rail. The guided wave modes that can exist in a rail are found using a 2-dimensional finite element (FE) technique and their interaction with a variety of features and defects is investigated with 3-dimensional time-marching FE models. Results obtained from a prototype testing system are presented and excellent agreement is obtained with FE predictions. Good sensitivity to transverse defects and defects at alumino-thermic welds is demonstrated.
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