Abstract
We developed an estimation method using the Bayesian approach to generate the probability distribution of the damping ratio from a vibration test with a small sample size. The Bayesian approach has special significance to engineering design, where available test data is invariably limited, for the approach can systematically incorporate subjective judgments based on experience or indirect information with observed data. We supposed that the probability distribution of the damping ratio has a normal distribution. Therefore, we applied the Bayesian approach to estimate unknown parameters of the distribution. In addition, we compared this method with a method of moments classified as a classical estimation and investigated the influence of sample size by conducting an evaluation test.
