New damage detection technique based on governing differential equations of continuum mechanics. Part I: out-of-plane loading

Abstract

In this paper a new method for the detection of delamination damage in composite beams using scanning Doppler laser vibrometry is presented. The recent advances in scanning laser technology now allow very accurate measurement of displacement fields, which in the case of undamaged structure must satisfy the fundamental equations of continuum mechanics. A violation of these equations at specific locations indicates the presence of the damage, which can be detected and sized by utilising a defect search algorithm.