Theoretical and Experimental Investigations on Antisymmetric Wave Propagation in the Buried Fluid-Filled Pipelines to Improve Vibroacoustic Leak Localization Methods

Vibroacoustic leak localization accuracy has long been limited by the conflict between the multimode-based time difference of arrival (TDOA) and single-mode wave velocities. This study resolves this issue by introducing a mode-alignment framework that strategically leverage the antisymmetric F(1,1) wave mode. We develop a Low-Frequency Superposition of Partial Bulk Waves (LF-SPBW) method that integrates fluid-pipe-soil coupling effects, allowing the theoretical solutions for the dispersion curve of the F(1,1) mode in buried fluid-filled pipelines. This approach overcomes the limitations of existing models, which fail to fully account for interface interactions. Additionally, a sensor-compatible mode separation method is proposed to obtain pure F(1,1) signals, leveraging the mode’s radial vibration dominance and its antisymmetric nature. The combined implementation of these advancements ensures physical consistency between TDOA and velocities, raising the localization accuracy. Experimental validations across diverse pipeline systems demonstrate an overall 54.38% accuracy improvement over conventional methods, offering new practical perspectives for mode selection in leak localization.