Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Electrical Engineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Hai Xiao
Committee Member
Lianfeng Zhao
Committee Member
Tao Wei
Abstract
This thesis investigates laser-induced acoustic signal generation, resonance characterization, and optical sensing in metallic plates as a foundational study for damage-sensitive inspection. Rather than presenting a complete defect-detection system, the work focuses on how measurable acoustic responses can be generated, amplified, and interpreted in a controlled laboratory setting. Experiments showed that pulsed-laser excitation can produce strong and repeatable acoustic responses in metallic structures. Repetition-rate sweeping identified narrow resonant responses, including a cantilever resonance at 57.862 kHz and a maximum circular-disk response at an FFT frequency of 48.8 kHz with a laser repetition rate of about 49.1 kHz. High-Q resonances exceeding 100 mV, and in one case 200 mV, were also observed. At the same time, the measured spectra were strongly affected by geometry, boundary conditions, and resonator–substrate coupling, which limits the direct use of resonance peaks as robust damage indicators. Optical sensing experiments further showed that stable interferometric responses can be obtained, and that layered-plate measurements are sensitive to coupling conditions and internal reflections. Overall, this thesis establishes a signal-centered experimental framework for metallic plates. The results show that resonance is an effective mechanism for amplifying weak laser-induced acoustic signals, while optical interferometric sensing is feasible but remains exploratory.
Recommended Citation
Zhao, Xinghang, "Laser-Induced Acoustic Signal Generation, Resonance Characterization, and Optical Sensing in Metallic Plates" (2026). All Theses. 4697.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4697