SENSOR PLACEMENT FOR ON-ORBIT MODAL IDENTIFICATION VIA A GENETIC ALGORITHM

A variant of the genetic algorithm is used to place sensors optimally on a large space structure for the purpose of modal identification. Th e selection and reproduction schemes of the genetic algorithm are modi fied, and a new operator called forced mutation is introduced. These c hanges are shown to improve the convergence of the algorithm and to le ad to near-optimal sensor locations. Two practical examples are invest igated: sensor placement for an early version of the space station and an individual space station photovoltaic array. Simulated results are also compared with previous results obtained by the effective indepen dence method. The genetic algorithm-based sensor configuration estimat es the target mode response more accurately.