Real-Time Shape Sensing of Composite and Sandwich Structures by Coupling Inverse Finite-Element Method with Refined Zigzag Theory

Abstract

It is greatly significant for structural safety in service to real-time adjust the structural posture. The prerequisite for this purpose is to monitor in real time the deformation displacements. To solve the problem, this study proposes an improved inverse finite-element method (iFEM) for reconstructing the deformation by using discrete strain measurement data. The technology is also known as shape sensing, which presents robust and efficient computational characteristics. This paper proposes an improved iFEM method for composite and sandwich closed-section beams, which employs the iFEM methodology as a general framework and the refined zigzag theory (RZT) as the underlying beam theory to establish the shape-sensing model. The main advantages of the proposed formulation are that the reconstruction model can not only avoid shear strain measurement problems, but also eliminate the influence of the shear correction factors on reconstruction accuracy. The proposed algorithm is implemented in a cantilever three-layered composite beam subjected to two loads. The numerical results demonstrate the superior capability and potential applicability of the proposed improved shape-sensing methodology for monitoring accurate displacement and stress field of laminated composite beam structures.