Oscillation refers to the repetitive variation of some value about a central point or equilibrium. In the context of structural health monitoring, oscillations refer to the repetitive motion of a structure or a component of a structure.
There are different types of oscillations that can occur in structures, such as:
- Harmonic oscillations, which are periodic motions that repeat at a constant frequency and amplitude.
- Damped oscillations, which are harmonic oscillations that decrease in amplitude over time due to energy dissipation.
- Forced oscillations, which are harmonic oscillations that are caused by an external force, such as wind or waves.
- Free oscillations, which are oscillations that occur without any external force and are caused by the natural stiffness and mass properties of the structure.
Oscillations can be measured using sensors such as accelerometers, displacement transducers, and strain gauges, and can provide important information about the behavior of a structure under different loads.
Oscillations in the structures can be used as an indicator of a problem, for example, if the frequency and amplitude of the oscillations are not within the design limits, it is usually an indication of an issue in the structure, such as damage, fatigue, or a design problem.
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