Homotopy continuation algorithm for structural damage identification

A new method is put forward for structural damage identification based on the homotopy continuation algorithm. A numerical example is presented to verify the method. The beams with different damage locations and different damage extents are identified by this method. The numerical examples have proved that this new method is capable of easy convergence, which is not sensitive to the initial iterative values. It is effective for accurately identifying multiple damages. By incorporating the finite element method into the homotopy continuation algorithm, the damage identifying ability of the new method can be greatly enhanced.