Sensor placement optimization applied to laminated composite plates under vibration

• Published in: Structural and multidisciplinary optimization Vol. 58; no. 5; pp. 2099 - 2118
• Main Authors: Gomes, Guilherme Ferreira, da Cunha, Sebastiao Simões, da Silva Lopes Alexandrino, Patricia, Silva de Sousa, Bruno, Ancelotti, Antonio Carlos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.11.2018; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aeronautics; Carbon fibers; Composite structures; Computational Mathematics and Numerical Analysis; Engineering; Engineering Design; Finite element method; Free vibration; Genetic algorithms; Mathematical models; Monitoring systems; Optimization; Placement; Plates (structural members); Position sensing; Research Paper; Sensors; Structural health monitoring; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Weight; Structural health monitoring; Genetic algorithm; Composite plates; Sensor placement optimization; Modal data
• ISSN: 1615-147X; 1615-1488
• DOI: 10.1007/s00158-018-2024-1

The location optimization of sensors is a essential problem in structural health monitoring systems. Taking the cost of sensors into account, it is uneconomical to install sensors on every part of a structure and moreover in aeronautical industry, the weight is a crucial factor. In this paper, a optimal placement optimization of sensor locations for structural health monitoring systems is studied. Several techniques of optimization of sensors are approached and applied in a shell structure. The structure, a laminate of carbon fiber, was modeled by the finite element method (FEM) and then subject to free vibration. Genetic algorithms (GAs) are then employed to locate the best sensor distribution to cover a specific number of low frequency modes. Numerical results have demonstrated the overall efficiency of sensor delivery methods. Specific problems occurred, especially regarding the method of effective independence, being less efficient and discrepant in relation to the other methods employed. In summary, the results obtained in this paper provide an optimal position for sensors in real SHM systems and experiments.