The Complex Plane Representation Method for Structural Damage Detection

Modal parameters are often used for damage identification purposes in the dynamic field. Commonly, shifts in the modal parameters between different states are assumed as measures of damage. Frequency shifts are easily detected, but in some circumstances they are not sensible to damage. In spite of its imprecise identification, damping possesses generally a monotonic variation with damage. Modal shapes exhibit increasing complexity along with damping increase. Operational modal shapes are identified using the CPR method and used to construct indicators capable to detect damage. The effectiveness of the method and the indicators is shown against theoretical data and numerical simulation.