Rapid and Robust Dynamics-based Nondestructive Method to Monitor Structural Health

Phase I efforts have concluded in successful demonstration of the use of a Laser Doppler Vibrometer in detection of cracks in composite and metal test specimens. A Damage Index formulation based on the distributed strain energies associated with the dynamic response (low as well as high frequencies) has been shown to vividly indicate the presence, size, and orientation of a damage. Phase II efforts provide an opportunity for advancing the reasearch and maturing the technology for field demonstrations. A new concept of structural health monitoring , through embedded software, is being proposed. Theoretical formulations of damage detection using perturbation method, and elastic wave propagation provide a solid foundations for our technology. Hardware innovations are being pursued by designing Continuous Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer to replace the discrete systems of today.