Inverse Finite Method Investigation for Adaptive Structures

This research project is evaluating an innovative technique that uses fiber optic strain sensors to measure structural deformations and full field strains. An inverse finite element method (iFEM) analysis reconstructs a deformed structural shape based on the strain measurement data simulated by FEM analysis to represent the in-situ strain measurements. By mapping the iFEM displacement solution onto a full FEM model, without the applied loading, the complete fields of displacement, strain, and stress are reconstructed to a high degree of accuracy. This project supports the work on multiple flight research projects at NASA Armstrong.Work to date: The team has completed and validated a 1-dimensional beam element test using a compliant slider mechanism.Looking ahead: Future plans involve developing and validating the algorithm on a full size flight test article.BenefitsAccurate: Algorithm is capable of accurate full-field structural shape and strain measurementEconomical: Uses a minimum number of sensors to recreate the full-field structural deformations and strainsImproves safety: Enables more efficient health monitoring of control surfaces and flexible structuresApplicationsAircraft wing flapsHelicopter bladesMotor vehiclesTrainsShips and submersiblesWind turbines This research project is evaluating an innovative technique that uses fiber optic strain sensors to measure structural deformations and full field strains. An inverse finite element method (iFEM) analysis reconstructs a deformed structural shape based on the strain measurement data simulated by FEM analysis to represent the in-situ strain measurements. By mapping the iFEM displacement solution onto a full FEM model, without the applied loading, the complete fields of displacement, strain, and stress are reconstructed to a high degree of accuracy. This project supports the work on multiple flight research projects at NASA Armstrong.Work to date: The team has completed and validated a 1-dimensional beam element test using a compliant slider mechanism.Looking ahead: Future plans involve developing and validating the algorithm on a full size flight test article.

Data and Resources

Field Value
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identifier TECHPORT_14511
issued 2016-01-01
landingPage https://techport.nasa.gov/view/14511
modified 2020-01-29
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metadata_created 2025-11-21T21:51:20.671969
metadata_modified 2025-11-21T21:51:20.671973
notes <p>This research project is evaluating an innovative technique that uses fiber optic strain sensors to measure structural deformations and full field strains. An inverse finite element method (iFEM) analysis reconstructs a deformed structural shape based on the strain measurement data simulated by FEM analysis to represent the <em>in-situ</em> strain measurements. By mapping the iFEM displacement solution onto a full FEM model, without the applied loading, the complete fields of displacement, strain, and stress are reconstructed to a high degree of accuracy. This project supports the work on multiple flight research projects at NASA Armstrong.</p><p><strong>Work to date</strong>: The team has completed and validated a 1-dimensional beam element test using a compliant slider mechanism.</p><p><strong>Looking ahead</strong>: Future plans involve developing and validating the algorithm on a full size flight test article.</p><p><strong>Benefits</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Accurate</strong>: Algorithm is capable of accurate full-field structural shape and strain measurement</li><li><strong>Economical</strong>: Uses a minimum number of sensors to recreate the full-field structural deformations and strains</li><li><strong>Improves safety</strong>: Enables more efficient health monitoring of control surfaces and flexible structures</li></ul><p><strong>Applications</strong></p><ul><li>Aircraft wing flaps</li><li>Helicopter blades</li><li>Motor vehicles</li><li>Trains</li><li>Ships and submersibles</li><li>Wind turbines</li></ul> <p>This research project is evaluating an innovative technique that uses fiber optic strain sensors to measure structural deformations and full field strains. An inverse finite element method (iFEM) analysis reconstructs a deformed structural shape based on the strain measurement data simulated by FEM analysis to represent the&nbsp;<em>in-situ</em>&nbsp;strain measurements. By mapping the iFEM displacement solution onto a full FEM model, without the applied loading, the complete fields of displacement, strain, and stress are reconstructed to a high degree of accuracy. This project supports the work on multiple flight research projects at NASA Armstrong.</p><p><strong>Work to date</strong>: The team has completed and validated a 1-dimensional beam element test using a compliant slider mechanism.</p><p><strong>Looking ahead</strong>: Future plans involve developing and validating the algorithm on a full size flight test article.</p>
num_resources 4
num_tags 10
title Inverse Finite Method Investigation for Adaptive Structures