Scalar and Vector Time Series Methods for Vibration Based Damage Diagnosis in an Aircraft Scale Skeleton Structure

A comparative assessment of several vibration based statistical time series methods for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is presented via their application to an aircraft scale skeleton structure. A concise overview of some of the main scalar and vector time series methods is provided, encompassing both non–parametric and parametric as well as response–only and excitation–response schemes. Damage detection and identification, collectively referred to as damage diagnosis, is based on single and multiple vibration response signals. The methods’ effectiveness is assessed via multiple experiments under various damage scenarios (loosened bolts). The results of the study confirm the global damage detection capability and effectiveness of scalar and vector statistical time series methods for SHM.