In this paper, we present structurally embedded gradient-index lenses integrated with a polymer (PVC) pipe for amplification of guided wave modes. The gradient-index lens is composed of equally spaced cylindrical metal inserts embedded into the pipe wall. All the inserts have the same height which is equal to the half-thickness of the pipe. The insert diameters are tailored in circumferential direction to realize hyperbolic secant distribution of refractive index around the circumference of pipe. We numerically demonstrate simultaneous amplification and focusing of the three commonly used pipe wave modes for ultrasonic inspection, namely L(0,2), L(0,1) and T(0,1), within a single lens design. Ultrasonic guided wave inspection of polymer pipes is challenging because of the high material damping which limits the sensor spacing and inspection range. To this end, we further investigate the damping properties of the PVC pipe through experiments. The structurally embedded design is promising in terms of long range transmission of ultrasonic signal which can remedy the attenuation problem in polymer pipes.
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