Numerical analysis of sensorized structures under high velocity impact for structural health monitoring application using fem/sph method
File(s)
Author(s)
Ceri, Samet
Type
Thesis
Abstract
The rapid expansion of human activities in space has significantly increased the risk of high-velocity
impacts (HVIs) on active space structures, necessitating advanced structural design strategies to ensure operational safety. This research investigates the dynamic response of sensor-equipped space structures under HVIs using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method and an Adaptive Finite Element Method/SPH (FEM/SPH) coupling approach. A comprehensive parametric study was conducted to identify the optimal SPH formulation for low-velocity impacts, while a hybrid FEM/SPH methodology was developed to enhance computational efficiency without compromising
the accuracy of composite structure modeling. The study successfully simulated debris cloud formation under HVIs, validating the results against analytical models and experimental data. Furthermore, adaptive mesh techniques were shown to effectively capture debris cloud dynamics, improving the fidelity of impact simulations.
To enhance real-time impact monitoring, an advanced Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system was developed to detect, locate, and assess damage severity using Acoustic Emission (AE) signals.
Experimental testing of sensor-equipped Whipple shield structures under high-velocity conditions, combined with advanced signal processing techniques, enabled precise characterization of impact events. Numerical simulations using adaptive SPH-FEM further validated the experimental findings, demonstrating the system’s ability to accurately differentiate between penetration and non-penetration scenarios.
The findings of this study provide a robust framework for optimizing the design of shielded space structures and establish a reliable SHM methodology for real-time impact detection and damage assessment.
By reducing reliance on physical inspections and enhancing impact resilience, this research contributes to the development of safer, more durable aerospace structures, ultimately supporting the sustainability of space missions.
impacts (HVIs) on active space structures, necessitating advanced structural design strategies to ensure operational safety. This research investigates the dynamic response of sensor-equipped space structures under HVIs using the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method and an Adaptive Finite Element Method/SPH (FEM/SPH) coupling approach. A comprehensive parametric study was conducted to identify the optimal SPH formulation for low-velocity impacts, while a hybrid FEM/SPH methodology was developed to enhance computational efficiency without compromising
the accuracy of composite structure modeling. The study successfully simulated debris cloud formation under HVIs, validating the results against analytical models and experimental data. Furthermore, adaptive mesh techniques were shown to effectively capture debris cloud dynamics, improving the fidelity of impact simulations.
To enhance real-time impact monitoring, an advanced Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system was developed to detect, locate, and assess damage severity using Acoustic Emission (AE) signals.
Experimental testing of sensor-equipped Whipple shield structures under high-velocity conditions, combined with advanced signal processing techniques, enabled precise characterization of impact events. Numerical simulations using adaptive SPH-FEM further validated the experimental findings, demonstrating the system’s ability to accurately differentiate between penetration and non-penetration scenarios.
The findings of this study provide a robust framework for optimizing the design of shielded space structures and establish a reliable SHM methodology for real-time impact detection and damage assessment.
By reducing reliance on physical inspections and enhancing impact resilience, this research contributes to the development of safer, more durable aerospace structures, ultimately supporting the sustainability of space missions.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-12-07
Date Awarded
2025-03-01
License URL
Advisor
Sharif Khodaei, Zahra
Sponsor
Turkey. Millî Eğitim Bakanlığı
Publisher Department
Department of Aeronautics
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)