Abstract— In this paper simulated visualization of propagating waves in an elastic rod with damage is presented to enhance the understanding of the physical phenomenon and to identify damage location and severity. The rod has one end fixed and the other free end is subjected to impact of a rigid mass. Consequently, longitudinal impact wave is generated at the contact end and traveled through the rod. Rods with and without damage are examined. Finite element model is constructed and used to simulate the propagation of the waves. The mechanism of the generation and propagation of secondary waves due to the damage is revealed. Remarkably, it is observed that a standing stress wave is created and resides in at the damage location. The shape of the damage governs the shape of this standing wave. The influences of the width, the length, the depth, and the location of the damage on the created standing wave are examined. The effect of the arrival of the reflected waves to damage location on the peak of the standing wave is also investigated. The outcomes of this work give clarification to some practical observations and can be used for damage detection and assessment.