Rotational-Mode-Shape-Based Added Mass Identification Using Wavelet Packet Transform

A novel approach is proposed in this article that the combination of rotational mode shape with wavelet packet transform can detect the relatively small added mass (damage) location and its intensity in a beam structure. The rotational mode shapes of added mass state are obtained from a finite element model and used as input in wavelet analysis to capture signatures arising from even small damage in the beam. The proposed algorithm is able to clearly identify single and multiple added mass locations and their intensities in a cantilever beam. It is also tested with noise-contaminated signals to show its feasibility in practical situations.