Concepedia

Abstract

In this paper, utilisation of damping values as damage detection parameters is discussed. Of the modal parameters, damping is not often used in fault diagnosis, with most researchers preferring to use natural frequencies and mode shapes. The main points against damping as an integrity indicator are the relatively high errors involved in estimating damping values and the existence of various definitions of damping. However, there are situations when damping may be the only indicator of distress when frequencies, as well as mode shapes, are insensitive to damage. Furthermore, damping is sensitive to changes in structural stiffness. Therefore, an awareness of the advantages and potential limitation of using damping in fault detection is desirable.