Model-Based Structural Health Monitoring of Fatigue Damage Test-Bed Specimens

摘要

This research project represents a preliminary investigation into a comprehensive analytical, numerical, and experimental framework for the monitoring and life-cycle assessment of the structural integrity and performance of aluminum hull structures. Aluminum plate specimens were designed and fabricated to facilitate the investigation of system identification and damage detection methodologies, both of which are key components of future life- cycle analyses. The design of the plate specimens was intended to include the geometric complexity commonly found in aluminum hull ships. A powerful Bayesian probabilistic model was applied to validate its potential applicability for damage identification around critical weld zones where fatigue failure is likely to initiate. Extensive numerical simulation and experimental testing was conducted to validate the model-based approach to crack damage detection in aluminum plate structures.