Identification of Structural Dynamics Models Using Wavelet-Generated Impulse Response Data

Abstract

This paper addresses the use of discrete wavelet transforms for the identification of structural dynamics models. First, the discrete temporal impulse response functions are obtained from vibration records by the discrete wavelet transform (DWT). They are then utilized for system realizations. From the realized state space models, structural modes, mode shapes and damping parameters are extracted. Attention has been focused on a careful comparison of the present DWT system identification approach to the FFT-based approach. Numerical examples demonstrate that the present DWT-based structural system identification procedure is a serious alternative to the FFT-based procedure, and outperforms FFT methods for narrow frequency-band inputs.