Potential of non-contact dynamic response measurements for predicting small size or hidden damages in highly damped structures

Vibration-based structural health monitoring (SHM) is essential for evaluating structural integrity. Traditional methods using contact vibration sensors like accelerometers have limitations in accessibility, coverage, and impact on structural dynamics. Recent digital advancements offer new solutions through high-speed camera-based measurements. This study explores how camera settings (speed and resolution) influence the accuracy of dynamic response measurements for detecting small cracks in damped cantilever beams. Different beam thicknesses affect damping, altering dynamic response parameters such as frequency and amplitude, which are crucial for damage quantification. Experiments were conducted on 3D-printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) cantilever beams with varying crack depth ratios from 0% to 60% of the beam thickness. The study utilised the Canny edge detection technique and Fast Fourier Transform to analyse vibration behaviour captured by cameras at different settings. The results show an optimal set of camera resolutions and frame rates for accurately capturing dynamic responses. Empirical models based on four image resolutions were validated against experimental data, achieving over 98% accuracy for predicting the natural frequency and around 90% for resonance amplitude. The optimal frame rate for measuring natural frequency and amplitude was found to be 2.4 times the beam’s natural frequency. The findings provide a method for damage assessment by establishing a relationship between crack depth, beam thickness, and damping ratio.