Dynamic shape estimation by modal approach using fiber Bragg grating strain sensors

摘要

A possible approach to meet the increasing performance requirements of lightweight structures in various engineering fields is the application of smart structures. One of the functions, which are required, is the observation of the structures' shape. During operation, however, the monitoring of displacement fields is difficult. This paper discusses the displacement field estimation of a dynamically excited plate using fiber Bragg grating strain sensors. Using a modal approach, it is possible to derive a transformation matrix to estimate the displacement field using only a few strain measurements. To reduce systematic estimation errors due to residual modes, a parameter study was performed and the sensor location optimized using the condition number of the transformation matrix as an objective function. An experiment with an optimized sensor configuration including 16 fiber Bragg grating strain sensors was performed to verify the method and the simulation results.