The Least Squares Time Element Method Based on Wavelet Approximation for Structural Dynamic Load Identification

Dynamic load identification is a commonly used and quite important approach to obtain the excitation loads of structures in engineering practice. In this paper, a novel dynamic load identification method combining the least squares time element method (LSTEM), wavelet scaling function and regularization method is proposed, which performs a better accuracy and a stronger anti-noise ability. It decomposes the time history of dynamic load into a series of time elements, and approximates the load profile at each time element using wavelet scaling functions. In order to balance the accuracy and efficiency for load identification, an optimal wavelet resolution is then determined. Simultaneously, the least squares time element model is derived which establishes the forward model for computing the wavelet coefficient. Finally, the wavelet coefficients for dynamic load identification are accurately and stably solved by implementing regularization. By this method, on the one hand, the wavelet scaling function and LSTEM improve the identification accuracy, and on the other hand, the integral process in the least squares operation gains the anti-noise ability for the load identification. A numerical example of a roof structure and an experiment of a composite laminate are studied and verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.