Structural Damage Localization by the Principal Eigenvector of Modal Flexibility Change

Abstract: Using the principal eigenvector (PE) of modal flexibility change, a new vibration-based algorithm for structural defect localization was presented in this paper. From theoretical investigations, it was proven that the PE of modal flexibility variation has a turning point with a sharp peak in its curvature at the damage location. A three-span continuous beam was used as an example to illustrate the feasibility and superiority of the proposed PE algorithm for damage localization. Furthermore, defect localization was also performed using the well-known uniform load surface approach for comparison. Numerical results demonstrated that the PE algorithm can locate structural defects with good accuracy, whereas the ULS approach occasionally missed one or two defect locations. It was found that the PE algorithm may be promising for structural defect assessment.