Sensor placement for on-orbit modal identification of large space structure 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. The selection and reproduction schemes of the genetic algorithm are modified and a new operator called forced mutation is introduced. These changes are shown to improve the convergence of the algorithm and to lead to near-optimal sensor locations. Simulated results are also compared with previous results obtained by the effective independent method. The genetic algorithm based sensor configuration estimates the target mode response more accurately