Data Fusion of Multiple Curvature Mode Shapes for Structural Damage Diagnosis

This study aims to develop a reliable method for locating multiple cracks in a beam using data fusion of multiple curvature mode shapes.The identification of multiple damage in beams based on curvature mode shape has become a research focus in recent decades.However,the curvature mode shape method using a single mode carries limited damage information,and fails to reveal all cracks when multiple damage detection is required.To address this limitation,the curvature mode shape method is further enhanced by a data fusion algorithm to fuse damage information in multiple modes.The effectiveness of the method is proved through a numerical case of a beam with multiple cracks.The applicability of the method is experimentally validated by detecting multiple cracks in a composite laminated beam with mode shapes acquired by a scanning laser vibrometer.The results show that the method of fusing multiple curvature mode shapes carries more complete damage information than the traditional one using a single mode,and can successfully locate all cracks in a damaged beam.