Talai, S.M.Desai, D.A.Heyns, P.S. (Philippus Stephanus)2017-02-092016-11Talai, SM, Desai, DA & Heyns, PS 2016, 'Vibration characteristics measurement of beam-like structures using infrared thermography', Infrared Physics and Technology, vol. 79, pp. 17-24.1350-449510.1016/j.infrared.2016.09.003http://hdl.handle.net/2263/58938Infrared thermography (IRT) has matured and is now widely accepted as a condition monitoring tool where temperature is measured in a non-contact way. Since the late 1970s, it has been extensively used in vibrothermography (Sonic IR) non-destructive technique for the evaluation of surface cracks through the observation of thermal imaging of the vibration-induced crack heat generation. However, it has not received research attention on prediction of structural vibration behaviour, hence; the concept to date is not understood. Therefore, this paper explores its ability to fill the existing knowledge gap. To achieve this, two cantilever beam-like structures couple with a friction rod subjected to a forced excitations while infrared cameras capturing the thermal images on the friction interfaces. The analysed frictional temperature evolution using the Matlab Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm and the use of the heat conduction equation in conjunction with a finite difference approach successfully identifies the structural vibration characteristics; with maximum error of 0.28% and 20.71% for frequencies and displacements, respectively. These findings are particularly useful in overcoming many limitations inherent in some of the current vibration measuring techniques applied in structural integrity management such as strain gauge failures due to fatigue.en© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Infrared Physics and Technology. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in Infrared Physics and Technology, vol.79, pp. 17-24, 2016. doi : 10.1016/j.infrared.2016.09.003.Vibration behaviourFrictional heat generationCondition monitoringInfrared thermography (IRT)Engineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-09SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-11SDG-11: Sustainable cities and communitiesEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-12SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionPostprint Article