# Application of Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) in Comparing MRT Signals of Steel Ropes
## 5 Conclusions and Future Work  
This study presents a novel application of the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) algorithm for time-series alignment in magnetic rope testing (MRT). The approach was preliminarily validated through both active and passive experiments using steel wire ropes of varying construction, including polymer-filled variants.  
Key findings include the following:  
* DTW enables synchronization of LF signals with differing spectral content and sampling resolution, helping to detect subtle defects even when standard alignment fails.
* A differential analysis of DTW-aligned signals proved sensitive to changes in sampling resolution and scan speed, revealing the risk of diagnostic loss when encoder resolution drops below critical thresholds (e.g., 1000 pulses/meter at 1 m/s).
* Elongation-induced desynchronization and spectrum drift--particularly in polymer-impregnated ropes--can be mitigated through early and repeated MRT scans combined with adaptive DTW analysis.  
Looking ahead, future work should focus on the following:  
* Integrating DTW-based alignment with real-time digital twin systems for predictive diagnostics.
* Developing hybrid models that combine MRT data with physical load parameters (e.g., tension, vibration) for condition-aware simulations.
* Applying wavelet and segmentation techniques for trend detection beyond hard thresholding.
* Exploring AI classifiers trained on DTW-aligned signal features to distinguish mechanical wear, corrosion, or fatigue.
* Enabling on-device DTW processing in embedded monitoring systems for continuous diagnostics in critical sectors like mining, offshore, and aviation.  
Ultimately, the proposed methodology aims to improve rope safety, reduce premature disposal, and support sustainable infrastructure through smarter diagnostics and lifecycle management.  
Conceptualization, M.W. and J.K.; field data acquisition, J.K. and M.W.; methodology, M.W.; data organization, J.T. and M.W.; software, [PERSON] and [PERSON]; calculations, [PERSON] and [PERSON]; validation, [PERSON] and [PERSON]; formal analysis, [PERSON] and M.W.; writing--original draft preparation: [PERSON] and [PERSON]; writing--review and editing: [PERSON]; visualization, [PERSON] and [PERSON]; supervision: [PERSON]. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
The research work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland within the framework of subventions for the development of science awarded to Polish Air Force University, Air Force Institute of Technology, and AGH University.  
Not applicable.  
The authors regret to inform that the data used in this study cannot be made publicly available due to industrial confidentiality agreements. The MRT measurement data were obtained during periodic inspections of steel wire ropes performed in operational environments and are subject to non-disclosure restrictions imposed by the industrial partners. Consequently, the raw signal recordings and related metadata cannot be shared or deposited in public repositories.  
**Acknowledgments:** The authors would like to thank the Zespolowi Rzeczoznawcow Urzadzeri Technicznych \"AUTORYTET\" from Polkowice ([[https://zrut.pl](https://zrut.pl)]([https://zrut.pl](https://zrut.pl)) (accessed on 13 April 2025)) for providing free of charge the digital version of archival measurement data from MRT tests of steel ropes NRHD-24 and the Zawada NDT Kazimierz Zawada company from Zabrze (z-ndt.com (accessed on 13 April 2025)) for providing the latest version of the MD-121 Visew software and consultations free of charge.  
**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflicts of interest.