Crack identification using wavelets on experimental static deflection profiles

In this paper a method to localize damage in a cantilever beam using static deflection is presented. The selection of the wavelet transform for the crack localization is discussed. The efficiency of the applied wavelets is verified by analytically and experimentally determined data. The measurement of the beam displacements in a large number of spatially distributed points is obtained by processing digital photographs of the beams. The proposed technique can effectively identify the crack positions without a knowledge of structure characteristics or a mathematical model.