Placement Optimization on Tubular Structures –Towards Application on Tubular Structures

Abstract

This paper presents an extension of a model, which we have developed for optimization of the number and locations of piezoelectric wafers network on convex and non-convex structures, to tubular structures. The proposed objective function is to maximize the coverage of the network on the structure that is discretized to a set of control points, while minimizing the number of PZT wafers. The tubular structure is modelled as a plate of any given dimensions with the appropriate boundary conditions imposed. In the optimum solution, each control point should be covered by a user-defined number of sensing paths, defined as the coverage level. During the optimization process, any location on the plate is considered as a potential position for a PZT wafer. The algorithm provides the flexibility of changing a wide range of parameters including the number of PZT wafers, the distance covered around the sensing path, the required coverage level and the number of control points. Moreover, since the structure is continuous, the wave can propagate in every direction. Thus, a pair of PZT elements can communicate in two directions and can cover the control points lying in the neighborhood of its two corresponding paths. The developed model was solved using genetic algorithm. Sensor network configurations were simulated on pipe sections. The results were promising and they demonstrated the proficiency of the developed model in distributing the PZT wafers on curved structures.