Multiobjective-clustering-based optimal heterogeneous sensor placement method for thermo-mechanical load identification

The direct measurement of external loads acting on structures remains a challenge in many engineering applications. In this context, mechanical load identification has received considerable attention to inverse them using some response signals. Obviously, sensor placement is fundamental to the success of load identification. Considering temperature effects in the environment, this study investigates an optimal heterogeneous sensor placement framework for multi-case mechanical load identification. Firstly, the temperature field approximation method is developed using the measuring points with the minimum error in RBF interpolation. Based on the modal superposition theory, the formulas of mechanical load identification under static and dynamic cases are then deduced utilizing the responses eliminating thermal-oriented components. With the specific loading position, an index of the modal contribution rate is defined to provide a reasonable modal selection. Further, an optimal placement framework of multi-type response sensors (strain gauges and accelerometers) considering distance constraints is constructed for mechanical load identification under static/dynamic multiple cases, in which the optimization objective integrates the global performance and local evaluation of the interested modal loads. More specifically, an algorithm of collaborative clustering for heterogeneous modal matrices is involved to avoid redundant information and alleviate the computation burden. Eventually, two numerical examples are discussed to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the developed approach.