Identification of unknown, time‐varying forces/moments in dynamics and vibration problems using a new approach to deconvolution

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Johnson, C.D.

Affiliations: Electrical & Computer Engineering Department, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA Tel.: +1 256 890 6293

Abstract: In this paper an alternative approach to the classical deconvolution idea is used to obtain a new and practical method for real‐time identification of unknown, time‐varying forces/moments in a general class of linear (linearized) dynamics and vibration problems with multiple‐inputs and multiple‐measurements. This new method for force/moment identification is unique in the respect that the uncertainty in the force/moment time‐variations is not characterized by random‐process methods, but rather by a generalized spline‐model with totally unknown weighting coefficients and completely known basis‐functions. The basis‐functions are custom chosen in each application to reflect, qualitatively, the known characteristics of the force/moment time‐variations to be identified. The method does not involve explicit identification of the unknown weighting coefficients. General‐purpose identification algorithms for both continuous‐time and discrete‐time measurements are developed, and a worked example including computer simulation results is presented.

Journal: Shock and Vibration, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 181-197, 1998