Sensor placement with optimal damage detectability for statistical damage detection

Damage diagnosis based on global structural vibrations critically depends the sensor layout, in particular when a small number of sensors is used for large structures under unknown excitation. This paper proposes placement strategy that yields an optimized layout with maximum damage detectability selected components. The optimization criterion Fisher information, which quantifies information damage-sensitive feature carries design parameters components, such as material constants or cross-sectional values. It evaluated using finite element model, and considers statistical uncertainties feature. methodology shown stochastic subspace-based detection method, but can be applied to any whose distribution approximated Gaussian. suitable find optimal fixed choose appropriate sensors. Since defined component-wise, tuned become more sensitive local hotspots, non-inspectable components are critical safety serviceability structure. For proof concept, laboratory beam numerical simulations, it showcased leads highest experimental data.