Structural health monitoring using active members and neural networks

摘要

A system for monitoring the structural integrity of a mechanical structure. The system utilizes a trainable adaptive interpreter such as a neural network to analyze data from the structure to characterize the structure's health. An actuator is attached to the mechanical structure for generating vibrations in response to an input signal. A sensor, also attached to the mechanical structure, senses the vibrations and generates an output signal in response thereto. The sensor output signal is then coupled to a pre-trained adaptive interpreter for generating an output which characterizes the structural integrity of the mechanical structure. The system can provide continual health monitoring of a structural system to detect structural damage and pinpoint probable location of the damage. The system can operate while the structural system is in service there by significantly reducing structural inspection costs.