A method of developing a transducer-based failure detection system, the method including: a computer-implemented process, comprising the following steps of: identifying modes of propagation and signal frequencies that can be expected to travel large distances through an elongate structural element; selecting a suitable mode of propagation and frequency of operation; designing a transducer that is adapted to excite the selected mode at the selected frequency; numerically modelling the transducer as attached to the elongate structural element; analyzing a harmonic response of the selected mode of propagation to excitation by the transducer in order to validate the transducer design; and iteratively changing dimensions of transducer components in order to achieve an optimal response of the selected mode of propagation at the frequency of operation and computing a predicted displacement time response of the elongate structural element to an electrical excitation of the transducer; and a verification phase that includes the further steps of: manufacturing a prototype in accordance with the modelled transducer; measuring a free electrical admittance of the transducer and comparing the free electrical admittance with modelled predictions to verify correct manufacture of the transducer; attaching the transducer to a predetermined length of the structural element; measuring a displacement response on a surface of the structural element; and comparing the measured response to the predicted displacement time response. a computer-implemented process, comprising the following steps of: identifying modes of propagation and signal frequencies that can be expected to travel large distances through an elongate structural element; selecting a suitable mode of propagation and frequency of operation; designing a transducer that is adapted to excite the selected mode at the selected frequency; numerically modelling the transducer as attached to the elongate structural element; analyzing a harmonic response of the selected mode of propagation to excitation by the transducer in order to validate the transducer design; and iteratively changing dimensions of transducer components in order to achieve an optimal response of the selected mode of propagation at the frequency of operation and computing a predicted displacement time response of the elongate structural element to an electrical excitation of the transducer; and identifying modes of propagation and signal frequencies that can be expected to travel large distances through an elongate structural element; selecting a suitable mode of propagation and frequency of operation; designing a transducer that is adapted to excite the selected mode at the selected frequency; numerically modelling the transducer as attached to the elongate structural element; analyzing a harmonic response of the selected mode of propagation to excitation by the transducer in order to validate the transducer design; and iteratively changing dimensions of transducer components in order to achieve an optimal response of the selected mode of propagation at the frequency of operation and computing a predicted displacement time response of the elongate structural element to an electrical excitation of the transducer; and a verification phase that includes the further steps of: manufacturing a prototype in accordance with the modelled transducer; measuring a free electrical admittance of the transducer and comparing the free electrical admittance with modelled predictions to verify correct manufacture of the transducer; attaching the transducer to a predetermined length of the structural element; measuring a displacement response on a surface of the structural element; and comparing the measured response to the predicted displacement time response. manufacturing a prototype in accordance with the modelled transducer; measuring a free electrical admittance of the transducer and comparing the free electrical admittance with modelled predictions to verify correct manufacture of the transducer; attaching the transducer to a predetermined length of the structural element; measuring a displacement response on a surface of the structural element; and comparing the measured response to the predicted displacement time response.