Session: 01-08-03: Nondestructive Evaluation and Structural Health Monitoring 3

Paper Number: 162362

162362 - An Efficient Structural Health Monitoring of Aerospace Structures Using Plane Strain Assumptions in the Inverse Finite Element Method (Ifem) 

Aerospace structures, such as wing spars, fuselage sections, and spacecraft components, are critical to the safety and performance of aviation and space systems. Aerospace components are often designed as elongated geometries with consistent cross-sectional properties, making them ideal for analysis under a two-dimensional plane-strain assumption. This approach simplifies the modeling of structural behavior by focusing on dominant in-plane stresses and deformations while reducing computational complexity. Monitoring the structural health of these components is essential to detect damage, prevent failures, and extend their service life. The advantages associated with the Inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) offer a powerful and efficient solution by reconstructing full-field displacement and stress distributions in real-time using onboard sparse strain data. Strain sensors strategically positioned on critical structural components, such as wing spars or spacecraft beams, allow for focused monitoring of high-stress areas without needing full coverage of the entire structure. This targeted approach reduces the required sensors while still capturing essential strain data. This approach enables real-time detection of deviations from expected structural behavior, providing early warnings of potential damage and helping timely maintenance interventions. By integrating iFEM with digital twins, aerospace systems can benefit from comprehensive performance insights, enhancing predictive maintenance and operational safety. This proactive and cost-effective approach ensures efficient structural health monitoring by addressing the specific challenges of onboard sensor density associated with real-time structural health monitoring of aviation and spacecraft structures.

Presenting Author: Ihtisham Khalid National University of Sciences & Technology

Presenting Author Biography: Ihtisham Khalid is a distinguished faculty member at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). He holds a master’s in aerospace engineering from Air University in Islamabad. With professional experience in the aerospace industry, he brings valuable insights to his research. His work focuses on structural health monitoring and damage assessment techniques relying on modern machine learning and inverse finite element method approaches. His theoretical and practical engineering background supports his efforts to improve health monitoring and integrity assessment methods, ultimately making structural systems safer and more efficient.