Identification of Foreign Object Impact in Structures Using Distributed Sensors

An impact load identification method using distrib uted built-in sensors for detecting foreign object impact is pro posed. The method consists of a system model and a response comparator. The system model characterizes the dynamic response of the structure subjected to a known impact force. The comparator compares the measured sensor outputs with the estimated mea surements from the model and predicts the location and the force history of the impact. The method has been developed for beams containing distributed piezoelectric sensors.