2012 Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages I_69-I_80
This study deals with a damage detection method using a time reversal technique which does not require reference data at an intact state but only data at a current state to detect damages. The method assumes linear damages such as notches or holes, and is applicable to damped structures. A tone burst force is firstly input to a structure at one point A and the acceleration response is measured at the other point B. Then the time-reversed acceleration response is input at point B as a force and the acceleration response is measured at point A. This response is then time-reversed and is defined as “reconstructed wave”. Damage existence and location can be detected simply from the waveform of the reconstructed wave. Numerical analysis was carried out on a plate structure with and without a rib, and the effectiveness of the method is verified.