Matrix of the covariance of covariance of acceleration responses for damage detection from ambient vibration measurements

A new matrix on the covariance of covariance is formed from the auto/cross-correlation function of acceleration responses of a structure under white noise ambient excitation. The components of the covariance matrix are proved to be function of the modal parameters (modal frequency, mode shape, and damping parameter) of the structure. Information from all the vibration modes of the structure limited by the sampling frequency contributes to these components. The formulated covariance matrix contains more information on the vibration modes of the structure that cannot be obtained by the general methods for extracting modal parameters. When the component of the covariance matrix is used for damage detection, it is found more sensitive to local stiffness reduction than the first few modal frequencies and mode shapes obtained from ambient excitation. A simply supported 31 bar plane truss structure is studied numerically where a multiple damage scenario with different noise levels is identified with satisfactory results.