The use of measured vibration data from structures has a long history of enabling the development of methods for inference and monitoring. In particular, applications based on system identification and structural health monitoring have risen to prominence over recent decades and promise significant benefits when implemented in practice. However, significant challenges remain in the development of these methods. The introduction of realistic, full-scale datasets will be an important contribution to overcoming these challenges. This article presents a new benchmark dataset capturing the dynamic response of a decommissioned BAE Systems Hawk T1A. The dataset reflects the behaviour of a complex structure with a history of service that can still be tested in controlled laboratory conditions, using a variety of known loading and damage simulation conditions. As such, it provides a key stepping stone between simple laboratory test structures and in-service structures. In this article, the Hawk structure is described in detail, alongside a comprehensive summary of the experimental work undertaken. Following this, key descriptive highlights of the dataset are presented, before a discussion of the research challenges that the data present. Using the dataset, non-linearity in the structure is demonstrated, as well as the sensitivity of the structure to damage of different types. The dataset is highly applicable to many academic enquiries and additional analysis techniques which will enable further advancement of vibration-based engineering techniques.

Thermal energy storage (TES) is likely to play a significant role in the decarbonisation of domestic heat, allowing consumers to shift their energy consumption away from peak demand periods and reducing overall strain on the grid. Phase change materials (PCMs) are a promising option for TES, in which energy can be stored in the latent heat of the melting of the PCM; these offer greater storage densities than sensible heat TES and have the benefit of releasing stored heat at a consistent temperature (the crystallisation temperature of the PCM). One of the key difficulties for PCM-based TES is state of charge (SoC) estimation (the estimation of the proportion of energy stored in the TES unit up to its maximum capacity), particularly during idle periods while the unit is storing heat. SoC estimation is key to the implementation of TES, as it enables the effective control of the units. The use of a resonator within the PCM for SoC estimation could potentially provide a global estimate of the SoC, since the resonator passes through the full depth of the PCM in the unit. The SoC could be inferred by measuring the vibrational response of the resonator under excitation, which varies depending on the melt state of the PCM. This paper presents findings from a test rig investigating this proposal, including discussions on the features required from the resonator response for SoC inference.

This paper presents a demonstrative application of a forward model-driven approach to structural health monitoring (SHM), incorporating hierarchical validation methods. A key tenet of the approach is that an SHM system can be constructed that is capable of diagnosing damage at the full system level, without full system damage-state data having been used in its development; achieving this would be highly impactful as the system-level damage state data is generally not feasible to acquire (previous SHM methods such as data-driven SHM have been hindered by their dependence on these data). This is achieved by carrying out validation activities on the damage model at the subassembly level of the structure. The particular focus of the present paper is on damage detection and assessment, although the approach offers a natural basis for extension to other damage identification activities such as damage location and prognosis. The present study focuses on two of the key elements of the model-driven approach: validation of the predictive substructure models and their application in the assembled model. The ideas discussed are demonstrated in a case study based on a laboratory-scale truss bridge structure.

Energy storage methods will be a critical part of the future energy supply system, as demand is increased by electrification of domestic heat and take-up of renewable generation increases the variability of supply. Domestic storage units are likely to be key to this transition, and this paper will present investigations into a unit for storage of domestic heat. A phase change material (PCM) heat storage unit has been developed that has the potential to provide effective heat storage facility in a domestic capacity. Effective control and use of the storage units is dependent on accurate state-of-charge (SoC) estimation, tools for which are being developed and supported by data presented in this paper. A novel test bed has been developed in order to acquire data for this purpose. The rig is situated in a temperature-controlled chamber which enables charge and discharge tests at a range of ambient temperatures. Automated control of the rig is also available, which allows for repeatable tests to be carried out to gather data for model development.