Discussion about the Axioms of Structural Health Monitoring

Abstract

In this paper, the axioms of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) pre-sented by Worden, Farrar, Manson, and Park [2007] are discussed in detail. In many cases, the intent of the axioms is found to be correct, but the
terminologies used are confusing. Also, it was found that some axioms could be derived from other axioms that were given in that paper itself. Based on the discussion presented in this paper, it is suggested to replace the seven axioms given in ibid with a set of three new axioms. The main plus point of the axioms given in the paper over those given in ibid is conciseness. Counter-examples are presented to dispute the axioms where necessary. Similar to Worden et al. [2007], the term axiom is used outside its meaning in the field of mathematics and logic. In ibid, the term axiom is stated to refer to the fundamental truth which have not been contra-dicted in the field of SHM. However, in this paper, the word axiom refers to its second meaning in Merriam Webster dictionary “am established rule or principle or self evident truth.”