Linear and Geometrically Nonlinear Structural Shape Sensing from Strain Data

An aircraft’s shape must be measured during flight to implement active shape controls such as active trim shape, divergence, and sonic boom controls. A basis function method for linear as well as geometrically nonlinear structural shape sensing is proposed in this study. Basis functions can be mode shapes, linear static deformation shapes, and/or geometrically nonlinear static deformation shapes. The proposed basis function method is validated using a high-aspect-ratio wing, a swept test plate, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration X-59 aircraft. A large structural deformation of a high-aspect-ratio wing is successfully captured using the proposed basis function method with less than 0.3%prediction error at the wing-tip section. The basis function method gives excellent deformation prediction, even with stress concentration. Performance of the basis functions is compared using the X-59 stabilator sample case. In most of the sample load cases, static deformations give a better correlation with the target deformation than do mode shapes. Wing shape sensing with sparse strain data are also demonstrated in this study using the X-59 aircraft. Predicted structural deformations match reasonably with the target deformations, even without strain gauges on some structural components. The predicted deformations have a good match with the target deformations.