Shape- and stress-sensing of a container ship by using inverse finite element method

Dynamically tracking three-dimensional displacements and stresses of a structure by using discrete on-board strain data is known as shape- and stress-sensing. Inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) is a new state-of-the-art methodology that can precisely reconstruct full field structural displacements, strains, and stresses from real-time discrete strain measurements. The main objective of this study is to perform shape- and stress-sensing of a container ship based on the iFEM methodology. Firstly, a realistic strain data is simulated by performing a coupled hydrodynamic and finite element analysis of the parallel mid-body. Then, iFEM analysis of the parallel mid-body is performed by utilizing the simulated strain data. Finally, accuracy of the iFEM-reconstructed displacement and stress results are examined to demonstrate applicability of the iFEM methodology for shape- and stress- sensing of the container ship.