Beam Shape Sensing Using Inverse Finite Element Method: Theory and Experimental Validation

Abstract

An inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) is presented for beam and frame structures. The method is aimed at reconstructing the complete displacement field starting from in situ measurements of surface strains. A laboratory experiment is conducted on a simple cantilever beam subjected to various static loadings. Experimentally measured strains are used within a single-element iFEM model to assess the efficiency and predictive capability of the approach with respect to uncertainties and measurement errors that unavoidably affect real structures.