Location identification of impact load on complex structure by combining transient statistical energy analysis with basis vectors

A novel approach combining transient statistical energy analysis (TSEA) with basis vectors is proposed to identify the specific location of impact load on complex structure. The average kinetic energy responses of subsystems are used to determine which subsystem is excited based on the established TSEA model of complex structure. Then, the basis vectors are defined according to the positions of sensors installed on the excited subsystem, the powers of sensor signals and the arrival time of stress waves. The specific location of impact load on the excited subsystem can be ultimately identified using the basis vectors method. The presented approach is demonstrated numerically and experimentally through a case study of impact load identification of two-cone-shell sandwich structure.