J M Nichols et al 2004 Smart Mater. Struct. 13 241 doi:10.1088/0964-1726/13/2/001
J M Nichols1, C J Nichols2, M D Todd3, M Seaver1, S T Trickey1 and L N Virgin2
Show affiliationsThis work explores the role of empirical dynamical models in deducing the level of preload loss in a bolted connection. Specifically, we examine the functional relationship between data gleaned from locations on either side of the connection using nonlinear predictive models. This relationship, as quantified by a measure of prediction error, changes as a function of bolt loosening, thus allowing both the presence and magnitude of the axial load to be identified. The models are based on a phase space portrayal of the system dynamics and require only that the structure's response be low dimensional. The technique is demonstrated experimentally on a composite beam fastened to steel plates with four instrumented bolts. Results are compared to a similar approach using an auto-regressive (AR) modeling technique.
81.70.Bt Mechanical testing, impact tests, static and dynamic loads
46.70.De Beams, plates and shells
02.50.-r Probability theory, stochastic processes, and statistics
Issue 2 (April 2004)
Received 22 April 2003, in final form 16 December 2003
Published 4 February 2004
J M Nichols et al 2004 Smart Mater. Struct. 13 241
D S Broomhead et al 1987 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 20 L563
Henk van Elst and George F R Ellis 1996 Class. Quantum Grav. 13 1099
A M Stewart 2005 Eur. J. Phys. 26 635
George Chavchanidze 2004 J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 37 2253
Jason Lindler and Norman M Wereley 2003 Smart Mater. Struct. 12 305
W Rau et al 2006 J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 39 75
Hamid Bellout et al 2003 Nonlinearity 16 1967
T Bowen et al 1991 Phys. Med. Biol. 36 537
H. Grüll et al 2004 Europhys. Lett. 65 671