Sensors distribution optimization for impact localization using NSGA-II.

Purpose – The purpose of this study which resulted in this work is to propose an optimization method of sensors distribution for structural impact localization. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a multi-objective optimization study of a novel sensors distribution technique, where two optimization objective functions are considered: sensors number and sensors location optimization performance index. In addition, the finite element analysis, the time-frequency transform and the principal component analysis are combined to quantize the above objective functions. The non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is used to acquire Pareto solutions. Findings – The effectiveness of this method is validated through a prototype laboratory called the piezoelectric intelligent structure where promising results are obtained. Originality/value – An optimization method of this novel sensors distribution technique is built and produced a set of efficiency solutions for the real-world problem of impact localization where two conflicting objectives are involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]