LATEST TRENDS on COMPUTERS (Volume I)

Application of Neural Networks to Damage Classification in Composite

Structures
Mahmoud Z. Iskandarani
Faculty of Engineering
Al-Zaytoonah Private University of Jordan
P O BOX: 911597, Post Code: 11191, Amman
Jordan
m_iskandarani@yahoo.com

Abstract: - Smart classification software is designed to process data taken for damaged composite structures
such as modern car bodies. This software is used in conjunction with Neural Networks algorithms to provide
predictive models for impact damage in composite structures. The developed neural models correlates between
various NDT testing techniques, such that in the absence of one technique, its results can be predicted by the
Neural Network through interrogation of available data obtained from using other testing methods.

Key-Words: - Neural Networks, Classification, Damage, Composites, Algorithm, Prediction.

1 Introduction
Predictive and deterministic analysis is an important
tool in reliability tests. Components can experience Some model selection processes are mainly based
a successful or unsuccessful performance. In both on statistical techniques such as discriminant
conventional and advanced interpreting systems, analysis, canonical correlation, principal
initial steps have to be taken to determine the component, regression on principal component and
parameters that govern the criteria under which a stepwise procedures.
component can be ranked or classified. Typical The previous highlights the need for an intelligent
considerations are [1-4]: classification system, which is flexible enough to
accommodate different boundary conditions with
(1) Arranging defect types in terms of their complex non-linear behavior in a fast and accurate
significance in influencing failure. manner with capabilities of generalization and
(2) Organising the tested components according prediction [5-8].
to their theoretical propensity of failure. In recent years there has been a rapid development
(3) Tabulating untested components based on of models and intelligent systems for complex
their tendency of failure. pattern recognition.
(4) Classification of the known test results into In this paper Neural Networks are used in
either success or failure population. conjunction with a novel Smart Classification
(5) Establishing a model and assess the model Algorithm (SCA) to correlate, classify and predict
in terms of correct classifications. composite structures conditions using wide range of
(6) Modifying the manufacturing process to testing technique.
obtain less defective components.
(7) Testing of new components and updating 2 Experimental
the model as needed. Testing resin injection molded (RIM) samples
response to impact damage was carried out using the
In addition to the above, various separate probability following techniques:
distributions can be involved, namely:
(1) Low Frequency Tapping.
(1) The probability that a specific defect of (2) Visual Imaging.
certain size will result in a failure. (3) Low Temperature Thermoimaging.
(2) The probability that inspection will (4) Tensile Strength.
succeed for those defects of importance.
(3) The probability that there is a flaw in SCA was used on each data file to produce a
the material or component Prior to fingerprint. The collated data was then fed to the
inspection. designed Neural Structures.

ISSN: 1792-4251 109 ISBN: 978-960-474-201-1

 LATEST TRENDS on COMPUTERS (Volume I)

Training of the Networks was carried out using  A1   B1  X1 

Back Propagation Algorithm. The algorithm A  B  X 
implements the following expression in computing  2  2  2
and correcting error or difference in between S1 =   , S 2 =   …., S m =   ….(3)
predicted and actual data:      
     
 An   Bn  X n 
 dE (t )       
dW (t ) = −η +   + (α dW (t − 1)) ……. (1)
 dW (t )  From (3) we obtain:
Where: n n n
Ai Bi Xi
S1T = ∑ , S 2T = ∑θ ,… S mT = ∑θ .. (4)
dW : Neural Net Weight Change. i =1 θ i =1 i =1
η : Learning Rate (0 to 1)
α : Weight Change Coefficient (Magnitude) Where: θ is a normalizing factor.
E : Error
As the original matrix is simplified in (4), the data
The last term in equation (1) is a momentum term classification column matrix is represented in
that includes a proportion of the last weight updated equation (5).
in the current one, which has the effect of  S1T 
preventing ripples in the error surface and adds S 
speed to training and convergence.  2T 
D=  ………………(5)
The initial raw data is conditioned before entering  
into the Neural Networks using the SCA algorithm,  
 S mT 
which utilizes matrix equations, where individual  
data matrices that correspond to different testing The designed classification algorithm takes into
techniques are grouped into an overall matrix as account reference, undamaged sample data in its
follows: operations.
In the SCA algorithm, the converted data file is
converted into sequences S1 to Sm containing vectors
of individual column matrices extracted from the 3 Results
converted source data file. The overall extracted Table (1) shows the testing data using the mentioned
matrix consists of discrete combination of all four techniques. The data is used to train the
column sequences as in equation (2) networks. Figure (1) illustrates the initial neural
network used for training, while Figure (2)
 S1 S2 Sm  illustrates a neural network with two hidden layers
a .r for better classification accuracy.
 11 11 a12 .r12 a1m .r1m 
a 21 .r21 a 22 .r22 a 2 m .r2 m 
  (2)
 
 
 
a n1 .rn1 a n 2 .rn 2 a nm .rnm 

Where:

aij : Original matrix elements

rij : Amplitude Factor

Fig.1: Single Hidden Layer Neural Model.
From (2) we obtain:

ISSN: 1792-4251 110 ISBN: 978-960-474-201-1

 LATEST TRENDS on COMPUTERS (Volume I)

The overall system is devised to make use of the

Impact Sample Tensile %SCA %SCA Defect five human senses to classify damage in composites
Energy Thickness Strength Diameter whereby the absence of one sense is complemented
Low Thermo-
Frequency imaging
by the experience gained which is redistributed
among the other senses. This system makes full use
(J) mm N/mm No Units No Units mm of the associative and predictive properties of
Neural Networks.
7.14 2 205.16 74.5 28.60 0.727

7.14 5 208.30 91.5 24.98 0.573

14.3 2 190.00 67.0 35.40 1.210

14.3 5 206.78 87.5 30.05 0.858

28.6 2 150.74 49.2 46.02 2.840

28.6 5 205.67 59.5 35.01 1.540

42.0 2 150.68 46.0 46.04 2.850

42.0 5 180.96 57.4 39.92 1.970

Fig.2: Dual Hidden Layer Neural Model.
47.6 2 150.68 29.0 46.04 2.850

47.6 5 153.44 37.0 45.07 2.710

Table1: Training data
Avg.
Error

4 Discussion &Conclusion
Table (2) shows the predicted data using the
networks shown in Figures (1) and (2) with learning
curve shown in Figure (3). From the table, it is
observed that a very good predication is achieved Time
using Neural Networks. Figure (4) shows another
implementation of the Neural Networks in deciding Fig.3: Learning Curve.
whether to accept or reject a component by using all
or some of the input techniques used earlier. This
provides a fast process of testing and production.
This emphasizes the point that Neural Networks
are useful tools in data processing and
would be invaluable if the received data is corrupted
or part of it is missing.
For the application discussed in this paper, Neural
Networks served to save time and effort in
determining the extent of damage in composite
structures. It also helped in establishing a way of
determining if a composite body such as a vehicle is
fit for service. In addition, by using the associative
and predictive features of such algorithms
manufacturing time and cost would be saved [9-14].
It is concluded that choice of the type of Neural
Networks to use is quite important, factors like
speed of convergence, maximum and average errors
and time of training are very critical. Pruning the
designed network to achieve a balance between
speed and accuracy is usually recommended.
Fig.4: Damaged/Undamaged decision
Neural Network.

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 LATEST TRENDS on COMPUTERS (Volume I)

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