Neural network approach to detection of changes in structural parameters

A neural network-based approach is presented for the detection of changes in the characteristics of structure-unknown systems. The approach relies on the use of vibration measurements from a ''healthy'' system to train a neural network for identification purposes. Subsequently, the trained network is fed comparable vibration measurements from the same structure under different episodes of response in order to monitor the health of the structure. It is shown, through simulation studies with linear as well as nonlinear models typically encountered in the applied mechanics field, that the proposed damage detection methodology is capable of detecting relatively small changes in the structural parameters, even when the vibration measurements are noise-polluted.