Structural modal parameter identifi cation and damage diagnosis based on Hilbert-Huang transform

Traditional modal parameter identifi cation methods have many disadvantages,especially when used for processing nonlinear and non-stationary signals.In addition,they are usually not able to accurately identify the damping ratio and damage.In this study,methods based on the Hilbert-Huang transform(HHT) are investigated for structural modal parameter identifi cation and damage diagnosis.First,mirror extension and prediction via a radial basis function(RBF) neural network are used to restrain the troublesome end-effect issue in empirical mode decomposition(EMD),which is a crucial part of HHT.Then,the approaches based on HHT combined with other techniques,such as the random decrement technique(RDT),natural excitation technique(NExT) and stochastic subspace identifi cation(SSI),are proposed to identify modal parameters of structures.Furthermore,a damage diagnosis method based on the HHT is also proposed.Time-varying instantaneous frequency and instantaneous energy are used to identify the damage evolution of the structure.The relative amplitude of the Hilbert marginal spectrum is used to identify the damage location of the structure.Finally,acceleration records at gauge points from shaking table testing of a 12-story reinforced concrete frame model are taken to validate the proposed approaches.The results show that the proposed approaches based on HHT for modal parameter identifi cation and damage diagnosis are reliable and practical.

Damage localization under ambient vibration using changes in flexibility

In recent years,Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has emerged as a new research area in civil engineering.Most existing health monitoring methodologies require direct measurement of input excitation for implementation.However,in many cases,there is no easy way to measure these inputs-or alternatively to externally excite the structure.Therefore,SHM methods based on ambient vibration have become important in civil engineering.In this paper,an approach is proposed based on the Damage Location Vector (DLV) method to handle the ambient vibration case.Here,this flexibility-matrix-based damage localization method is combined with a modal expansion technique to eliminate the need to measure the input excitation.As a by-product of this approach,in addition to determining the location of the damage,an estimate of the damage extent also can be determined.Finally,a numerical example analyzing a truss structure with limited sensors and noisy measurement is provided to verify the efficacy of the proposed approach.

The Effect of Nano-Alumina Particles Generated in Situ in the Matrix of Ultralow and No Cement 85 wt%Al_(2)O_(3) Refractory Castables

Advanced high alumina refractory castables of ultra-low and to cement types, are well-known because of their ability on developing similar and/or superior thermal and mechanical properties. Following the recent trend of including nanoparticles in refractory castables, in this work, it is presented a novel way to obtain the benefit effects on the thermal and mechanical properties, promoted by the development in situ, of alumina’s nanoparticles in the matrix of castable (85 wt% Al2O3). The alumina nanoparticles were originated in situ after firing, due to the pyrolysis and oxidation of an aqueous resin, produced by the Pechini process. The resin played a double role, one as mixing liquid vehicle and the other as the aluminum oxide nanoparticles precursor. The results indicate a strong increase in flexural strength and elastic modulus as well as leading to a higher residual strength after thermal shock.

Experimental investigation on variability in properties of Amazonian wood species Muiracatiara ( Astronium lecointei ) and Maçaranduba ( Manilkara huberi ) focusing guitar fingerboards manufacturing

In face of scarcity in the supply of non-traditional Brazilian woods properly treated for use in high quality musical instruments,pieces of Amazonian wood species muiracatiara(Astronium lecointei)and maçaranduba(Manilkara huberi)purchased in the common internal Brazilian timber market were examined.These species were pre-selected for use in fingerboards of acoustic and electric guitars due to similar properties with ebony(Diospyros crassiflora).Variabilities of elastic modulus parallel to grain and density were investigated inside wooden pieces.In addition,referred parameters were used in calculation of speed of sound.Statistical tests were performed in order to compare both species and revealed inequality for variances of dynamic elastic modulus(E_(d))and speed of sound,but equality for density.Equality of means was also examined via unequal variance t-test.Despite color differences,lower variability of M.huberi led to the indication of this species as likely capable to substitute satisfactorily ebony in fingerboards manufacturing.