On the Effect of Intra- and Inter-Node Sampling Variability on Operational Modal Parameters in a Digital MEMS-Based Accelerometer Sensor Network for SHM: A Preliminary Numerical Investigation.

Reliable estimation of operational modal parameters is essential in structural health monitoring (SHM), particularly when these parameters serve as damage-sensitive features. Modern distributed monitoring systems, often employing digital MEMS accelerometers, must account for timing uncertainties across sensor networks. Clock irregularities can lead to non-deterministic sampling, introducing uncertainty in the identification of modal parameters. In this paper, the effects of timing variability throughout the network are propagated to the final modal quantities through a Monte-Carlo-based framework. The modal parameters are identified using the covariance-driven stochastic subspace identification (SSI-COV) algorithm. A finite element model of a steel cantilever beam serves as a test case, with timing irregularities modeled probabilistically to simulate variations in sensing node clock stability. The results demonstrate that clock variability at both intra-node and inter-node levels significantly influences mode shape estimation and introduces systematic biases in the identified natural frequencies and damping ratios. The confidence intervals are calculated, showing increased uncertainty with greater timing irregularity. Furthermore, the study examines how clock variability impacts damage detection, offering metrological insights into the limitations of distributed vibration-based SHM systems. Overall, the findings offer guidance for designing and deploying monitoring systems with independently timed nodes, aiming to enhance their reliability and robustness.