Multi-type dynamic load identification algorithm in continuous system: A numerical and experimental study based on SSM-Newmark-β.

• A continuous system load identification algorithm based on SSM and Newmark-β is proposed for the first time. • Combination of modal truncation order and sensor layout optimization by modal strain energy. • The proposed algorithm has better accuracy and noise immunity than SSM and GKFM. • For continuous systems, the proposed algorithm has a solution time of 0.38s and is insensitive to the time step. • The proposed algorithm has good accuracy in experimental validation. Dynamic load identification based on structural responses is an important problem in the field of engineering and plays an important role in the condition assessment of mechanical structures. Current popular load identification methods such as the state-space method (SSM) and the Green's kernel function method (GKFM) are implemented on discrete systems with outstanding performance, but when dealing with complex continuous systems, there are some limitations such as low efficiency and inaccuracy. In this paper, a continuous system load identification algorithm based on SSM and Newmark-β is proposed for the first time. Using modal coordinate transformation and modal truncation methods, the number of infinite vibration differential equations of a continuous system in physical space are converted to a finite number of vibration differential equations in modal space, where the modal truncation order and the optimal layout of the sensors are combined by modal strain energy. The Newmark-β method in modal space is derived and thus combined with SSM to obtain a load identification model Y =HF called SSM-Newmark-β method, which reduces the size of the transfer matrix H. The solution time of the proposed algorithm is 0.38 s for continuous systems, which is rather shorter than that for discrete systems. Furthermore, the simulations show that it has better accuracy and noise immunity than SSM and GKFM in the identification of sinusoidal load, impact load, and random load. The effect of time step is also discussed which reveals that the larger time step has less effect on the proposed algorithm. An experimental study is carried out on a cantilever beam system. The result verifies that the SSM-Newmark-β algorithm has better accuracy in load identification for the continuous system. This research provides a new sight for the real-time identification of dynamic loads for complex structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]