Non-stationary dynamics data analysis with wavelet-SVD filtering

Non-stationary time-frequency analysis is used for identification and classification of aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic dynamics. Time-frequency multiscale wavelet processing generates discrete energy density distributions. The distributions are processed using the singular-value decomposition (SVD). Discrete density functions derived from the SVD generate moments that detect the principal features in the data. The SVD standard basis vectors are applied and then compared with a transformed-SVD, or TSVD, which reduces the number of features into more compact energy density concentrations. Finally, from the feature extraction, wavelet-based modal parameter estimation is applied. The primary objective is the automation of time-frequency analysis with modal system identification. The contribution is a more general approach in which distinct analysis tools are merged into a unified procedure for linear and non-linear data analysis. This method is first applied to aeroelastic pitch-plunge wing section models. Instability is detected in the linear system, and non-linear dynamics are observed from the time-frequency map and parameter estimates of the non-linear system. Aeroelastic and aeroservoelastic flight data from the drone for aerodynamic and structural testing and F18 aircraft are also investigated and comparisons made between the SVD and TSVD results. Input-output data are used to show that this process is an efficient and reliable tool for automated on-line analysis.Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.