Wireless and distributed sensing of the shape of morphing structures

Monitoring the shape of morphing structures is essential for their effective and safe operation. However, current sensing systems such as fiber optic ensors are expensive, brittle, and unsuitable for monitoring large shape changes without being susceptible to failure or performance degradation. herefore, a new class of sensors that does not suffer from these serious limitations is presented. The sensor system relies in its operation on a pecially configured distributed network of wires that is embedded in the composite fabric of these structures. The output of the sensor network is irelessly transmitted to a control processor to compute the linear and angular deflections, the shape, and maps of the strain distribution over the ntire surface of the morphing. The deflection and shape information are vital to ascertain that the structure is properly deployed. The strain map nsures that the structure is not loaded excessively to adversely affecting its service life. The equations governing the operation of the sensor network are developed for a beam-like morphing structure using the non-linear theory of nite elements. The resulting equations will provide the sensor with its unique interpolation capabilities that make it possible to map the linear and ngular deflection and strain field distribution over the entire surface of the morphing structure. The theoretical and experimental characteristics f the sensor network are determined under static and dynamic loading conditions. The results obtained are used to demonstrate the merits and otential of this new class of sensors as a viable means for monitoring the deflections of 1D morphing structures. Integration of the proposed sensor network with the supporting electronics and with arrays of flexible actuators will enable the development of self-contained, actively controlled, and autonomously operating new generation of morphing. 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.