Structural health monitoring of composite structures based on impact force identification

A structural health monitoring method based on an impact force identification is proposed for CFRP structures under impact force. An experimental identification method of impact force is developed. The relation between force histories and strain responses is determined by using measured force histories and the corresponding strain responses at the discrete points. By employing this relation, the location and history of impact force acting on CFRP laminated plates and CFRP stiffened panels is identified using measured strain responses. The method is also applied to the impact force identification of CFRP laminated plates involving impact damages under a drop-weight impact test. It is shown that the identified force history agrees well with the experimental one even when the impact damage is induced, and the present monitoring method based on impact force identification is promising as a real-time health monitoring of CFRP structures. Copyright IAF/IAA. All rights reserved.