Damage Detection Optimization Using Wavelet Multiresolution Analysis and Genetic Algorithm

In this study, an optimized damage detection using genetic algorithm (GA) in beam-like structures without using baseline data. For this purpose, a vibration-based damage detection algorithm using a damage indicator called ‘Relative Wavelet Packet Entropy’ (RWPE) was applied to determine the location and severity of damage. To improve the algorithm, GA was utilized to optimize the algorithm so as to identify the best choice of wavelet parameters. To examine the robustness and accuracy of the proposed method, numerical examples and experimental cases with different damage depths were considered and conducted.