Journal Article

Shape Sensing of Thin Shell Structure Based on Inverse Finite Element Method

Li, Jianle, Xu, Hao, Wu, Zhanjun, Li, Tengteng, Yang, Lei, Zhang, Jiachen, Wu, Yifan

2022

Overview

Shape sensing as a crucial component of structural health monitoring plays a vital role in real-time actuation and control of smart structures, and monitoring of structural integrity. As a model-based method, the inverse finite element method (iFEM) has been proved to be a valuable shape sensing tool that is suitable for complex structures. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for the shape sensing of thin shell structures with iFEM. Considering the structural form and stress characteristics of thin-walled structure, the error function consists of membrane and bending section strains only which is consistent with the Kirchhoff–Love shell theory. For numerical implementation, a new four-node quadrilateral inverse-shell element, iDKQ4, is developed by utilizing the kinematics of the classical shell theory. This new element includes hierarchical drilling rotation degrees-of-freedom (DOF) which enhance applicability to complex structures. Firstly, the reconstruction performance is examined numerically using a cantilever plate model. Following the validation cases, the applicability of the iDKQ4 element to more complex structures is demonstrated by the analysis of a thin wallpanel. Finally, the deformation of a typical aerospace thin-wall structure (the composite tank) is reconstructed with sparse strain data with the help of iDKQ4 element.

• Publisher: Tech Science Press
• Subject: Actuation / Cantilever plates / Degrees of freedom / Error functions / Finite element analysis / Finite element method / Kinematics / Mathematical analysis / Mathematical models / Quadrilaterals / Shell theory / Shells (structural forms) / Smart structures / Structural forms / Structural health monitoring / Structural integrity / Thin shell structures / Thin wall structures / Thin walled shells