Comparing full-field data from structural components with complicated geometries

A new decomposition algorithm based on QR factorisation is introduced for
processing and comparing irregularly shaped stress and deformation
datasets found in structural analysis. The algorithm improves the
comparison of two-dimensional data fields from the surface of components
where data is missing from the field of view due to obstructed measurement
systems or component geometry that results in areas where no data is
present. The technique enables the comparison of these irregularly shaped
datasets without the need for interpolation or warping of the data. This
ensures comparisons are only made between the available data in each
dataset and thus similarity metrics are not biased by missing data. The
decomposition and comparison technique has been applied during an impact
experiment, a modal analysis, and a fatigue study, with the stress and
displacement data obtained from finite element analysis, digital image
correlation and thermoelastic stress analysis. The results demonstrate
that the technique can be used to process data from a range of sources and
suggests the technique has the potential for use in a wide variety of
applications.