Localization and quantification of damage in beam-like structures using sensitivities of principal component analysis results

Principal component analysis (PCA) is known as an efficient method for dynamic system identification and diagnosis. This paper addresses a damage diagnosis method based on sensitivities of PCA in the frequency domain for linear-form structures. The aim is not only to detect the presence of damage, but also to localize and to evaluate it. The Frequency response functions measured at different locations on the beam are considered as data for the PCA process. Sensitivities of principal components obtained from PCA to beam parameters are computed and inspected according to the location of sensors; their variation from the healthy state to the damaged state indicates damage locations. The damage can be evaluated next providing that a structural model is available; this evaluation is based on a model updating procedure. It is worth noting that the diagnosis process does not require a modal identification achievement. Both numerical and experimental examples are used for better illustration.