Paper Title
Application of Frequency Response Function Method for Detection of Damage in a Beam Structure
Abstract
Damage detection in structures is a major concern for scholars all around the world nowadays. It provides a
quantitative and qualitative data of any structure which can be used to predict the condition of a structure. Many numerical
and experimental approaches have already been established by various authors, which have their respective advantages and
disadvantages. Howsoever the experimental studies have been proved more efficient than numerical models. In this study the
concept frequency response function and change in natural frequency has been used. The experiment is carried out on a
cantilever mild steel beam and different damage scenarios are being induced and studied and the data is recorded, analyzed
and finally compared to obtain the results. Data is recorded with the help of an accelerometer and the excitation force is
given by a hammer. The data is analyzed in a FFT analyzer and responses are shown in the BRUEL & KJAER PULSE
LABSHOP software. Lastly the obtained FRF curves are compared and results show that the damage is effectively detected
in the steel structures. This method is more efficient in higher modes rather than lower frequencies.
Keywords - Modal parameters, Natural Frequency, Frequency Response Function (FRF), Damage Detection,
Accelerometer, Hammer and FFT Analyzer