Guided wave modeling using p version of semi analytical finite element method

Balancing accuracy and computational cost in modeling and analyzing engineering problems has always been a crucial concern in the field. The same principle applies to the modeling of wave propagation in structures and deriving dispersion curves, which are crucial in structural health monitoring and material property identification. The importance of maintaining this balance appears especially in cases where there is a need for repetition in modeling. In this study, we aimed to improve the accuracy and computational cost of the semi-analytical finite element method by incorporating hierarchical shape functions. The results indicate that using appropriate shape functions can enhance the performance of the semi-analytical finite element method for modeling wave propagation in structures. The study also investigated the impact of the number of degrees of freedom on the calculation of the cutoff frequency, the accuracy of the dispersion curves and the increase in modelling error as a result of this point.