Load and Boundary Condition Calibration Using Full-field Strain Measurement

For critical load bearing structures, it is often necessary to experimentally determine the load distribution on the structure so that accurate finite element models can be developed for stress and fatigue life predictions. An inverse problem approach is presented here for computing or calibrating the loads and boundary conditions acting on a structure. This enables the creation of more accurate finite element models, especially for structures that have complicated load distribution and compliant boundary conditions. The method presented here involves minimizing the least square error between the strains computed using the finite element model and the strains and displacements obtained experimentally. The nodal loads and the compliance at fixed boundaries are treated as the variables in the optimization problem. The compliance is modeled as springs attached at the nodes that are on the boundary where the structure is restrained. The method is verified by computing the loads and boundary conditions when displacements, maximum shear strain or both are available at large number of points on the surface of the structure. The experimental data set was generated using the luminescent photoelastic coating (LPC) technique.