Methods in Computational Inverse Mechanics for the Advancement of Smart Structure Technologies

摘要

The state-of-the-art in computational inverse mechanics approaches that address concepts in smart structure technologies, including nondestructive evaluation and shape changing technology, is presented. The primary focus is on techniques that utilize computational mechanics foundations (e.g., the finite element method) to simulate a structure's behavior, such as predicting sensor responses or predicting behavior during active shape change, and then utilize the simulation to solve the corresponding inverse problem. Through examples of computational methods for nondestructive evaluation and optimal design of morphing shape memory polymer structures, the benefits and challenges of implementing these computational inverse mechanics approaches is discussed, along with potential research needs to move into the future.