The Optimal Placement of Sensors by Minimizing the Maximum Probability of Non-Detection Using Genetic Algorithm

Abstract

Optimally placing the sensors without compromising the performance is a challenge and its application is found in Structural Health Monitoring, Load Monitoring, Vibration Control and other areas. Every sensor has predefined region within which the source of disturbance is detected if it is present. This paper examines the use of fminimax concept on simple discretized plate using Genetic Algorithm to optimally place the sensors. This has been achieved by introducing maximum non detection probability in the objective function and the fitness of objective is minimized through genetic algorithm solver in MATLAB. The effectiveness of the present algorithm is then checked by comparing the solution with the solution obtained by implementing this concept on a continuous unit square plate using fminimax solver in MATLAB. The solution obtained in both the methods matched to that in the literatures. The study shows that the algorithm developed can be effectively adopted in discredited structures to optimally place the sensors.