A novel criterion for crack identification in beam-like structures using distributed piezoelectric sensor and controlled moving load

The present study addresses the problem of crack identification in beam-like structures using a distributed piezoelectric sensor and controlled moving load. First, governing equations for the vibration of a cracked Timoshenko beam integrated with a piezoelectric layer and subjected to a moving load are established and their solution in the frequency domain is derived and acknowledged as electro-mechanical response of the beam. Then, variation of the electromechanical frequency response is examined versus crack and moving load parameters with the aim to propose a novel indicator, called herein spectral assurance criterion, for crack detection in beam-like structures. Finally, a procedure is developed for crack identification from moving loadinduced frequency response measured by the distributed piezoelectric sensor based on the proposed spectral assurance criterion. The numerical analysis demonstrates that (a) the piezoelectric layer can be used as a distributed sensor for reliably measuring the mechanical response of beam subjected to moving load; (b) the speed-controlled moving harmonic force is a useful tool for exciting a beam-like structure for its health monitoring purpose and (c) the proposed spectral assurance criterion is actually a novel and efficient indicator for crack identification in beam-like structures.