A Bayesian Probabilistic Damage Detection Using Load-dependent Ritz Vectors

This paper demonstrates the possibility of incorporating load-dependent Ritz vectors, as an alternative to modal parameters, into a Bayesian probabilistic framework for detecting damages in a structure. Recent research has shown that it is possible to extract load-dependent Ritz vectors from vibration tests [2]. This paper shows that load-dependent Ritz vectors have the following potential advantages for damage detection over modal vectors: (1) In general, load-dependent Ritz vectors are more sensitive to damage than the corresponding modal vectors, and (2) substructures of interest can be made more observable using the load-dependent Ritz vectors generated from particular load patterns. An eight-bay truss example is presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.