A practical investigation to solving the inverse problem of crack identification through vibration measurements
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the feasibility of using single/multi variable optimisation techniques with vibration measurements in solving the inverse crack identification problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The finite element method is used to solve the forward crack problem with a special nodal crack force approach. The multi‐variable optimisation approach is reduced to a much more efficient single‐variable one by decoupling the physical variables in the problem.
Findings
It is shown that, for the crack identification problem, global optimisation algorithms perform much better than other algorithms relying heavily on objective function gradients. Simultaneous identification of crack size and location proved to be difficult. Decoupling of the physical variable is introduced and proved to provide efficient results with single‐variable optimisation algorithms.
Research limitations/implications
Need for improving the reliability and accuracy of the procedure for smaller crack sizes. Need for developing and investigation more rigorous and robust multi‐variable optimisation algorithm.
Practical implications
Any information about approximate crack size and location provides significant aid in the maintenance and online monitoring of rotating equipment.
Originality/value
The paper offers practical approach and procedure for online monitoring and crack identification of slow rotating equipment.
Keywords
Citation
Ressing, H. and Gadala, M.S. (2006), "A practical investigation to solving the inverse problem of crack identification through vibration measurements", Engineering Computations, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 32-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/02644400610638961
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited