Conclusions
The DLV technique was initially conceived for naturally discrete systems, i.e., systems where rigid body motion over a closed region can be imposed by controlling a finite number of DOF. In plates and other continuous structures, however, this is not possible. Extension of the technique with ‘effective DLVs’ was explored here and the results suggest that the technique can still operate successfully.
Although we did not show results for brevity, the experience derived in this study indicates that the high modal density and nature of the damage in plates makes noise and truncation of higher modes much more critical than in skeletal systems.
Experimental validation of the DLV technique is planned for the near future using data collected by the ASCE task group on Health Monitoring and Damage Identification.