Frequency response function shape-based methods for structural damage localisation

The ultilisation of structural shape signals for damage localisation has shown some promise, especially in the applications where an accurate finite element model of the structure is not available. For this purpose, traditional shape signals, like mode shapes, flexibility matrices, uniform load surface (ULS) and operational deflection shapes (ODS) have been widely used. Using frequency response function (FRF) shapes for structural damage localisation is however, a relatively new but promising technique. Unlike mode shapes, ULS and ODS, FRF shapes are defined on broadband data and so have potential to reveal damage location more clearly. Another advantage of using FRF shapes is that the test data can be directly used without the necessity of conducting modal identification. Nevertheless, some problems associated with this approach still remain to be solved. No solid foundation or deduction about the use of FRF shapes for damage localisation has been given in any literature so far. In addition, it has been observed that this method only works for a low-frequency range. This limitation of FRF shapes has not been explained or well treated so far. In this study, a scheme of using FRF shapes for structural damage localisation is proposed. Methods within this scheme include some important modifications like using the imaginary parts of FRF shapes and normalising FRF shapes before comparison. The theoretical explanation of using FRF shapes for damage localisation is presented and the limitations of the previous FRF shape methods have been overcome. The proposed methods have shown great potential in structural damage localisation.