Combined damage detection techniques

Linear damage detection techniques are used frequently because of their simplicity and their easy interpretation. In this paper, it will be shown however that linear techniques are not very robust with respect to environmental changes and interstructure variability. With the aid of experimental results it will be demonstrated that non-linear damage detection techniques, although being more complex, are less sensitive to these effects. In addition, two damage detection approaches will be proposed that combine the advantages of different classes of techniques. Firstly, a combined linear–non-linear approach is described. In the second proposed method, static and dynamic measurement techniques will be combined. Using experimental damage detection results, it will be shown that both proposed combined techniques are less sensitive to environmental changes while leading to easy interpretation of results.