Guided waves measurement techniques in pitch-catch configuration

Guided waves (GWs) testing allows a long-range screening in pipes of different types and represents an effective and powerful nondestructing technique for defect detections using a limited number of points of measures. After the characterization through a general theoretical analysis, the focus is set to a real steam discharge pipe with a high mechanical complexity used for many years in a research plant now decommissioned. The experimental method applied here is the pitch-catch configuration of two magnetostrictive sensors. This paper aims to establish a strong theoretical background to pave the way for a robust experimental investigation. Preliminary experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis.