Identification of damage locations for plate-like structures using damage sensitive indices: strain modal approach

This paper addresses the problem of identification of damage locations for plate-like structures using strain mode technique. Based on the Rayleigh–Ritz approach, the strain modal analysis of a damaged plate is performed and strain mode shapes are consequently obtained. In light of the continuity condition and the residual strain mode shape technique, two novel damage sensitive parameters are proposed to determine the locations of damage, and corresponding damage indices are constructed. Compared with the conventional indices, they are simple and intuitive, and easy to be used in practice. Numerical simulations and experiments are carried out. Results show a good consistency and a strong identification capability of the proposed indices.