When does a bridge become an aeroplane?

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of interpolating structures to enable knowledge transfer between highly different structures like bridges and aeroplanes, showing that positive transfer is possible even between dissimilar systems.

Contribution

It develops a method for creating interpolating structures to facilitate transfer learning between heterogeneous structures, demonstrated through case studies involving bridges and aeroplanes.

Findings

Positive transfer can occur between highly-disparate structures.

Interpolating structures enable knowledge transfer across different systems.

The approach is demonstrated through simulated case studies.

Abstract

Despite recent advances in population-based structural health monitoring (PBSHM), knowledge transfer between highly-disparate structures (i.e., heterogeneous populations) remains a challenge. It has been proposed that heterogeneous transfer may be accomplished via intermediate structures that bridge the gap in information between the structures of interest. A key aspect of the technique is the idea that by varying parameters such as material properties and geometry, one structure can be continuously morphed into another. The current work demonstrates the development of these interpolating structures, via case studies involving the parameterisation of (and transfer between) a simple, simulated 'bridge' and 'aeroplane'. The facetious question 'When is a bridge not an aeroplane?' has been previously asked in the context of predicting positive transfer based on structural similarity. While the obvious answer to this question is 'Always,' the current work demonstrates that in some cases positive transfer can be achieved between highly-disparate systems.