Development of a numerical model for the damage identification on composite plate structures

• Published in: Composite structures 2000, Vol.48 (1), p.59-65
• Main Authors: Araújo dos Santos, J.V., Mota Soares, C.M., Mota Soares, C.A., Pina, H.L.G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Damage identification; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical properties and methods of testing. Rheology. Fracture mechanics. Tribology; Metals. Metallurgy; Numerical–experimental; Orthogonality mode shapes; Other mechanical properties; Quantification of damage; Sensitivities
• ISSN: 0263-8223; 1879-1085
• DOI: 10.1016/S0263-8223(99)00073-2

This paper deals with a numerical technique for the identification of damage on laminated structures. The numerical model is based on a first-order shear deformation finite element. When the structure undergoes some kind of damage, its stiffness is reduced, changing the dynamic response. By considering the sensitivities of the orthogonality conditions of the mode shapes, an algorithm is formulated, which calculates a damage parameter in each finite element. The damage parameter is directly related to the stiffness reduction of the damaged finite element. Only the mechanical properties of the layers of the undamaged plate and the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the damaged plate are required. The proposed numerical model allows the identification of multiple damage and does not require the knowledge of the probable damaged areas. The algorithm is applied to a laminated rectangular plate and its efficiency is demonstrated through several damage simulations.