Sensing linear viscoelastic constitutive parameters with a Timoshenko beam on a multi-layer foundation: Modeling and simulation

We present a sensor model comprised of a Timoshenko beam coupled with a linear viscoelastic substrate via a distributed system of compliant elements. The system of governing equations includes the evolution of the kinematic descriptors of the Timoshenko beam and of the interface between the coupling elements and the viscoelastic substrate. This model is used to pose an inverse problem aimed at estimating the constitutive parameters of the substrate from deformation measurements of the beam. The sensing model is demonstrated by comparing its prediction with published experimentally obtained constitutive parameters identifying standard linear viscoelastic material models, showing good agreement between model estimations and experimental results.