Guided Waves

Guided waves are types of sound or mechanical waves that travel along structured pathways like pipes, rods, or plates, constrained by their boundaries. Unlike waves that move freely through open space, guided waves are confined within specific structures, allowing them to travel longer distances with less loss. They are used in industries for detecting defects or monitoring the integrity of materials and structures, such as pipeline inspection or aircraft maintenance, because their behavior changes when there's a flaw, making them valuable for nondestructive testing.