On damage location techniques and future prospects for industrial applications utilizing the electromechanical impedance method: a systematic review

Structures and mechanical systems are constantly exposed to loads that result in damage occurrence, necessitating extensive monitoring. The electromechanical impedance is an essential non-destructive technique for monitoring the structural health of a system. It can detect even minor structural changes, allowing for timely identification of areas requiring intervention, thereby avoiding sudden system failure. Precise knowledge of the damage location is crucial for effective intervention and provides guidance for local action. Several techniques have been developed to predict damage location, making this topic of great significance. This article provides a systematic review of developed techniques for damage location. Our comprehensive examination results in the classification of techniques into three categories: data-driven, machine learning-based, and model-based. Each approach’s essential aspects are analyzed towards their industrial application. Furthermore, this study objectively analyzes key factors relevant to industrial implementation, providing insights into both established and understudied aspects of research on damage location, offering guidance for future studies aimed at bridging the gap between research and industry.