Modelling of structures with developing discontinuity

Discontinuity is one of the most important factors which contribute to the nonlinearity, challenging both methods of nonlinear analysis and its application for the analysis of interacting mechanical processes. The problem becomes more complicated when the discontinuity is developing under the influence of dynamic processes in the structures. This paper presents the methodology for analysis and simulation of the systems with the developing discontinuity based on the combination of analytical technique and the Matlab–Simulink computation. As an example, model of a cracked bar subjected to longitudinal excitation is used to analyse a nonlinear response as a way to monitor structural health. Different strategies of monitoring are compared based on the tracking the qualitative transformation of the bar׳s vibration.