Full-field deformation reconstruction of beams using the inverse Finite Element Method: Application to thin-walled structures

This work presents a methodology for the real-time structural deformation reconstruction of solid or thin-walled prismatic beams using discrete strains. Based on the 1D inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM), the approach combines the beam kinematics of Timoshenko theory, strain–displacement relations, and the finite element discretisation framework to reconstruct the full-field deformations of beams with any general cross-section. Although applicable for any general class of beams, the present work investigates its experimental application specifically to conventionally and additively manufactured thin-walled beams discretised using various low and high-order inverse beam elements. The results demonstrate the method’s accuracy and robustness, albeit influenced by the element discretisation scheme and the number of strain sensors used.