Application of Load Dependent Ritz Vectors in Structural Damage Detection

In this paper, an approach using dynamic testing data is presented as a method for monitoring the health of a structure. Unl ike most vibrat ion based approaches which utilize either modal parameters or frequency response functions, the proposed approach utilizes a Ritz vector description of the experimental data. The motivation behind the use of Ritz vectors, as opposed to modal parameters, have been in the historical demonstrat ion of the superiority of Ritz vectors in the areas of model reduction and transient response simulations. In addition, some small scale numerical studies indicate that lower frequency Ritz vectors are more Sensitive to damage than their corresponding mode shape vectors. The developed approach represents an extension of Minimum Rank Perturbation Theory to utilize measured Ritz vector information.