An estimation method for impact location of loose parts

A method for identifying the impact location of a loose part is described in this paper. This method draws the signal envelope from an impact time signal. And the arrival time of the impact signal can be determined conveniently by identifying the maximum point on the selected pulse or ridge of the signal envelope. The group velocity of an impact signal is obtained from the fact that the duration of the selected envelope pulse is equal approximately to the impact contact time. The estimation method is applied to impact signals obtained from an experimental facility of a metal plate and to the data from impact calibration tests in a component structure of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The estimation results are satisfactory for both experimental and field-tested impact signals.