Dan Reynolds   •   over 10 years ago

The World's Most Complicated Scale

This would be a very hands-on challenge, with many different components. The idea is that for complex structures, finite element analysis is typically used to predict the response of a structure to loads. It is extremely difficult to go the other way - obtain the loads on the structure from monitoring discrete, sparse measurements on a structure. Can we build a structure, take discrete measurements, and correctly guess a pointload applied to the structure (node,direction,magnitude)? I am thinking we use linear strain gages on truss elements for the sensing. Strain gages are pretty expensive (mostly for accuracy), but can we trade some accuracy for quantity by fabricating our own sensors, and measure the strain of every single truss element? Of my different ideas, this is one I'm least certain about, but HEY! Let's put our heads together and give it a shot?

1) Build a truss or lattice structure
2) Fabricate DIY linear strain gages (http://tacunasystems.com/zc/images/Omega_350-TY43.png, http://www.ni.com/white-paper/3092/en/, http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Flexible-Printed-Circuits/#step1)
3) Finite Element Analysis simulations of a digital replica of the constructed truss/lattice system.
4) Virtual Work and/or Machine Learning on the backend.