Constructing a dynamic model for damage detection of pipelines using a hybrid modeling approach

This work presents a method for predicting vibration at any location along the span of a pipeline using a model constructed from experimental data. The hybrid approach involves the construction of an initial model using system identification techniques of experimental data, and a modified model using Linear Quadratic Estimator (LQE) and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) approach. The combination of the two approaches resulted in a system that is capable of predicting vibration at random locations along the span of the pipe section using minimal feedback from physical system. Change in vibration signature at any location on the pipeline can be used as an early warning against damage at that location. The proposed method can be utilized as a practical damage detection technique of underground pipelines and buried structures. The validity of the propose approach has been examined experimentally and the results are presented