Displacement field estimation for a two-dimensional structure using fiber Bragg grating sensors

The structure shape itself is of great interest for many aerospace applications. For example, the stability of the surface shape of large, high precision or space reflectors is essential for the communication performance. The knowledge of static and dynamic displacements of these structures would provide the possibility to enhance their performance by appropriate countermeasures. During operation, however, the direct measurement of displacements of the whole structure is often difficult. This study investigates whole displacement field estimation using strain measurement and a displacement–strain-transformation approach. The use of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) as strain sensors for this application offers the possible implementation of an integrated sensor network including many measurement points within only a few optical fibers. This paper discusses many issues related to the displacement field estimation of a dynamically excited plate using a transformation matrix based on a modal approach. In order to reduce systematic displacement estimation errors due to aliasing, a parametric study was performed and the sensor locations were optimized. Experimental validation was also conducted using a cantilever plate equipped with 16 FBG sensors in an optimized configuration. The estimated displacements showed good agreements with those measured directly from laser displacement sensors.