Shape control of damaged space truss structures using genetic algorithms

Abstract

This study is focused on the problem of static shape control of space truss structures when the structures are damaged. The damages of the truss structures are treated statistically for the properties of elements and for the performances of active members. Formulas for the statistical shape distortion of space truss structures are derived in terms of mean values and covariances of member length errors. As an example, a 150-member truss antenna is used to estimate the performance of static shape control with active members used as collocated sensors and actuators. Actuator locations are selected based on genetic algorithm optimization. The numerical results indicate the effect of the static shape control when the damaged elements are considered.