The location of a concentrated mass on rectangular plates from measurements of natural vibrations

This paper presents new results for the identification of the location of a concentrated mass on isotropic plates by means of a genetic algorithm search technique based on changes in natural frequencies. The location and size of the mass are determined by minimisation of an error function, which expresses the difference between calculated and measured natural frequencies. Simulation studies indicate that changes in natural frequencies allow the estimation of mass location and magnitude at high levels of accuracy and speed. The advantages and limitations of this technique are also discussed.