This paper addresses a gap in the literature on the 3-dimensional scattering of the fundamental symmetric Lamb mode S0 from delimitations in composite plates. We study the scattering of low-frequency S0 Lamb mode from a delamination in a stiffened 4-ply CFRP composite plate with [0/0]S ply orientation. Far field scattering coefficients for the S0 Lamb mode are plotted as a function of circumferential position around the delamination using 3D FE simulations. Results show that the delamination size has less influence on S0 Lamb wave scattering in the low-frequency regime where the S0 mode is non-dispersive. Further analysis was done using two-dimensional FE simulation for different ply-layup orientations with S0 Lamb mode. This study shows that ply-layup orientation and through-thickness delamination location in fiber composite laminate have a significant influence on S0 Lamb mode interaction. We also analyzed the interaction of A0 Lamb mode for a few cases. This work will be useful for practical Lamb wave based inspection of composite plate structures.

Modern aerospace engineering places increasing emphasis on materials that combine low weight with high mechanical performance. Fiber metal laminates (FMLs), which merge metal layers with fiber-reinforced composites, meet this demand by delivering improved fatigue resistance, impact tolerance, and environmental durability, often surpassing the performance of their constituents in demanding applications. Despite these advantages, inspecting such thin, layered structures remains a significant challenge, particularly when they are difficult or impossible to access. As with any new invention, they always come with challenges. This study examines the effectiveness of the fundamental anti-symmetric Lamb wave mode (A0) in detecting weak interfacial defects within Carall laminates, a type of hybrid fiber metal laminate (FML). Delamination detectability is analyzed in terms of strong wave dispersion observed downstream of the delaminated sublayer, within a region characterized by acoustic distortion. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model is developed to simulate mode trapping and full-wavefield local displacement. The approach is validated by reproducing experimental results reported in prior studies, including the author’s own work. Results demonstrate that the A0 mode is sensitive to delamination; however, its lateral resolution depends on local position, ply orientation, and dispersion characteristics. Accurately resolving the depth and extent of delamination remains challenging due to the redistribution of peak amplitude in the frequency domain, likely caused by interference effects in the acoustically sensitive delaminated zone. Additionally, angular scattering analysis reveals a complex wave behavior, with most of the energy concentrated along the centerline, despite transmission losses at the metal-composite interfaces in the Carall laminate. The wave interaction with the leading and trailing edges of the delaminations is strongly influenced by the complex wave interference phenomenon and acoustic mismatched regions, leading to an increase in dispersion at the sublayers. Analytical dispersion calculations clarify how wave behavior influences the detectability and resolution of delaminations, though this resolution is constrained, being most effective for weak interfaces located closer to the surface. This study offers critical insights into how the fundamental anti-symmetric Lamb wave mode (A0) interacts with delaminations in highly attenuative, multilayered environments. It also highlights the challenges in resolving the spatial extent of damage in the long-wavelength limit. The findings support the practical application of A0 Lamb waves for structural health assessment of hybrid composites, enabling defect detection at inaccessible depths.