Time-Frequency-based Classification of Structural Damage

Abstract

The detection and classification of damage in complex materials and structures is essential from both safety and economic perspectives. In this paper, we propose algorithms for the classification of structural damage based on time-frequency techniques. Our approach is based on matching damage features in the time-frequency plane using highly localized Gabor functions and time-varying received signals from real experimental measurements. Example results are presented for the classification of fastener damage in an aluminum plate, demonstrating the utility of the proposed methodology.