Abstract: This article proposes an approach for impact load identification that can identify the impact location and reconstruct the load time history simultaneously. In this study,the impact load is represented by a set of suitable parameters, thus the load identification problem in time domain is transformed to a parameter identification problem. Combining with a forward impact response model, the intelligent optimization algorithm adaptively identifies the impact location and time history by minimizing the difference between the computed analytical results and the measured information. This clear, simple and general method is applied to an impact identification problem for stiffened composite panel. The stiffened composite panel is modeled as an equivalent laminate with varying properties and the forward impact response is obtained using an assumed mode approach. Numerical simulation studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.

Key words: impact load identification, parameter identification, intelligent optimization algorithm, stiffened composite structure, assumed mode method