Model-based structural health monitoring of naval ship hulls

The present paper reports on results from an ongoing research program at Cornell University aimed at employing model-based structural health monitoring techniques within new and existing naval hull structures. The techniques discussed involve the solution of inverse problems, formulated using both optimization-based and Bayesian approaches. The forward modeling capability is handled using a specially developed hull structural analysis tool, CU-BEN, while the solution of the inverse problem is handled using stochastic search methods that are part of a dedicated inverse solution algorithm toolbox, CU-PSST. Results from the application of these tools to problems of detecting section loss in hull plating due to corrosion, and isolating damaged framing due to an internal blast, are discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.